Calcium ointment helps dry eyes
NEW YORK, Jul 08, 1999 (Reuters Health) -- A calcium-containing ointment
that is applied to the lower eyelid seems to be helpful in treating dry eye
conditions, a new study suggests.
Eighteen subjects were randomly assigned to use either a calcium-containing
petroleum-based ointment or a placebo petroleum ointment that did not
contain calcium, according to Dr. Kazuo Tsubota of Tokyo Dental Hospital in
Tokyo, Japan and colleagues.
Three months later, both groups of subjects said they had an improvement in
their dry eye symptoms, suggesting that the petroleum itself was helping to
keep tears from evaporating, according to a report in the July issue of the
British Journal of Ophthalmology.
However, those with the calcium-containing ointment had an added advantage
on some eye tests, including blink patterns, according to the report.
Calcium ions play a key role in many cell functions and the loss of such
ions may contribute to dry eyes.
``In summary, we have shown the beneficial effect of the application of
calcium ointment via lower lid for the treatment of dry eye patients,'' the
authors conclude. ``This mode of therapy is well tolerated by the patients,
and provides a totally new therapeutic approach to providing steady levels
of medication to the ocular surface.''
SOURCE: British Journal of Ophthalmology 1999;83:767-770.
Copyright © 1999 Reuters Limited.
--
Judith Richards, London, Ontario, Canada
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