What's new in dry eye research today? | Oct 20, 2026

【Title】Preparation of artificial tears with in-situ gelling properties for the management of dry eye disease: efficient droplet administration by a 3D-printed device

【Journal】Ther Deliv

【Authors】Sana Yousaf; Saman Zafar; Muhammad Majid Bashir; et al.

【Summary】This study developed in-situ gelling artificial tears using gellan gum and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), alongside a 3D-printed device to facilitate administration. The formulations demonstrated acceptable physicochemical properties and sterility without causing ocular irritation in rabbits. Ex vivo testing indicated ocular surface retention for approximately 20–24 hours, while treated rabbit eyes showed a two-fold increase in Schirmer I test scores compared with untreated eyes. The 3D-printed administration aid increased dispensed droplet volume by approximately 21% and facilitated instillation. These findings support the potential of combining in-situ gelling formulations with 3D-printed delivery aids, although further clinical evaluation is needed.

【Title】Association of tobacco smoke exposure with dry-eye symptoms and ocular surface signs

【Journal】Med Hypothesis Discov Innov Ophthalmol

【Authors】Mohammed Aljarousha; Mustafa Abdu; Kareem Allinjawi; et al.

【Summary】This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 81 participants, including 40 exposed to tobacco smoke and 41 unexposed controls, to assess associations with dry-eye symptoms and ocular surface signs. After adjustment for age and sex, smoke exposure was associated with a 6.77-point higher Arab-OSDI score (95% CI, 0.96–12.57; P < 0.05), indicating greater symptom burden. However, no statistically significant associations were found for tear break-up time, Schirmer I test results, or corneal fluorescein staining. Sensitivity analyses generally supported the direction of the symptom-score association, although the median-regression result was not statistically significant. Because exposure included active smoking, shisha use, and passive smoke exposure, causal conclusions cannot be drawn.