What's new in dry eye research today? | Sep 4, 2026

【Title】Astigmatic vector outcomes after FS-LASIK versus SMILE for high myopic astigmatism: a single-center retrospective comparative cohort study without cyclotorsion compensation

【Journal】Int Ophthalmol

【Authors】Yinan Liu; Tao Chen; Bo Qu; et al.

【Summary】This retrospective comparative study evaluated astigmatic correction after FS-LASIK versus SMILE/KLEx in 155 eyes with high myopic astigmatism (-2.00 to -3.75 D) without intraoperative cyclotorsion compensation. At 3 and 12 months, visual acuity, residual cylinder, and safety and efficacy indices were comparable between groups. However, significant differences were observed in surgically induced astigmatism, correction index, and magnitude error. FS-LASIK showed relative astigmatic overcorrection, whereas SMILE/KLEx demonstrated relative undercorrection. These procedure-specific biases were observed under the study’s manual alignment protocol and should not be generalized to modern platforms using automated cyclotorsion compensation.

【Title】Rebamipide Nanosuspension Loaded In Situ Gel: A Promising Strategy to Improve Ocular Delivery and Treatment of Dry Eye Disease

【Journal】Eur J Pharm Biopharm

【Authors】Sayali Rathod; Klaudi K Vaiphei; Akhila Reddy; et al.

【Summary】This study developed a rebamipide nanosuspension-loaded in situ gel (REBA-NS gel) to improve ocular drug delivery for dry eye disease (DED). Rebamipide nanosuspensions were prepared using acid-base neutralization and optimized through a quality-by-design approach, then incorporated into gellan gum, which forms a gel upon contact with simulated tears. The optimized formulation produced nanoparticles below 270 nm, high drug content (>80%), mucoadhesion, sustained drug release, and suitable pH and osmolality for ocular administration. In DED-induced rats, REBA-NS gel increased tear secretion and reduced corneal fluorescein staining by 1.39-fold and 9.12-fold, respectively, compared with rebamipide solution after 7 days. The formulation may improve ocular retention and therapeutic efficacy.