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Ocular lubricants: what is the best choice?

Lubrificantes oculares - qual a melhor escolha?

ABSTRACT:

Ocular lubricants are used to supplement one or more layers of the lacrimal film. They are often prescribed to treat keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and other diseases of ocular surface in humans. These lubricants may also protect the ocular surface and promote epithelial regeneration. The active component of ocular lubricants is the lubricating agent. The key properties of different lubricating agents are the electrolyte composition, osmolarity, and addition of preservatives. Although lacrimomimetics are not typically used to treat KCS in dogs, they can be used as an adjunctive therapy. Knowledge of the properties of lacrimomimetics will help in making the appropriate therapeutic choice.

Key words:
Lacrimomimetics; ocular lubricants; artificial tears; keratoconjunctivitis sicca

RESUMO:

Lubrificantes oculares são usados como suplementos de uma ou mais camadas do filme lacrimal. São frequentemente prescritos para o tratamento da ceratoconjuntivite seca (CCS) no homem e em outras afecções da superfície ocular. Seu uso também pode gerar proteção da superfície ocular e promover regeneração epitelial. Os principais componentes de sua formulação são os agentes lubrificantes e as principais propriedades são a composição eletrolítica, a osmolaridade e a presença de conservantes. Embora lacrimomiméticos não sejam o tratamento da CCS em cães, eles podem ser utilizados como terapia adjuvante. O conhecimento de suas propriedades auxiliará na melhor opção terapêutica.

Palavras-chave:
lacrimomiméticos; lubrificantes oculares; lágrimas artificiais; ceratoconjuntivite seca

INTRODUCTION:

Lacrimomimetics, or artificial tears, are synthetic ocular lubricants that supplement one or more components of the lacrimal film by increasing the tear volume and stability and by protecting the ocular surface against desiccation (DEWS, 2007DEWS (INTERNATIONAL DRY EYE WORKSHOP). Management and therapy of dry eye disease: report of the Management and Therapy subcommittee of the International Dry Eye WorkShop (2007). Ocular Surface , v.5, n.2, p.163-178, 2007.). They are mostly prescribed as an adjunctive therapy for qualitative and quantitative film abnormalities, such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) (GRAHN & STOREY, 2004GRAHN, B.H.; STOREY, E.S. Lacrimostimulants and lacrimomimetics. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, v.34, n.3, p.739-753, 2004.; DEWS, 2007DEWS (INTERNATIONAL DRY EYE WORKSHOP). Management and therapy of dry eye disease: report of the Management and Therapy subcommittee of the International Dry Eye WorkShop (2007). Ocular Surface , v.5, n.2, p.163-178, 2007.; RIBEIRO et al., 2008RIBEIRO, A.P. et al. Qualitative and quantitative tear film abnormalities in dogs. Ciência Rural, v.38, n.2, p.568-575, 2008.). Canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a disease characterized by deficient tear production. Deficient tear production is often immune-mediated and is typically treated with immunomodulator agents (for example cyclosporine A, pimecrolimus, and tacrolimus), which stimulate tear production (WILLIAMS, 2008WILLIAMS, D.L. Immunopathogenesis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in the dog. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice , v.38, n.2, p.251-268, 2008.; RIBEIRO et al., 2008RIBEIRO, A.P. et al. Qualitative and quantitative tear film abnormalities in dogs. Ciência Rural, v.38, n.2, p.568-575, 2008.). Lacrimomimetics are only prescribed as an adjunct until normal tear production is restored (GRAHN & STOREY, 2004GRAHN, B.H.; STOREY, E.S. Lacrimostimulants and lacrimomimetics. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, v.34, n.3, p.739-753, 2004.). Other applications of these lubricants include adjuvant therapy of exposure keratitis, canine superficial punctate keratitis, as a lubricant during surgery and as a diluent for ophthalmic solutions (MAGGS et al., 2008MAGGS, D.J. et al. Slatter's fundamentals of veterinary ophthalmology. 4 ed. Saint Louis: Elsevier Saunders, 2008. 478 p.). In feline patients, lacrimomimetics can be used to hydrate the ocular surface in cases of feline herpesvirus type 1 corneal alterations (MAGGS, 2005MAGGS, D.J. Update on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of feline herpesvirus type 1. Clinical Techniques in Small Animal Practice, v.20, n.2, p.94-101, 2005.; MAGGS et al., 2008MAGGS, D.J. et al. Slatter's fundamentals of veterinary ophthalmology. 4 ed. Saint Louis: Elsevier Saunders, 2008. 478 p.). It is also used to improve tear quality in cases of indolent ulcers and for keratitis in cases of corneal sequestration, where surgical procedure should be performed (MOORE, 2005MOORE, P.A. Feline corneal disease. Clinical Techniques in Small Animal Practice , v.20, n.2, p.83-93, 2005.; MAGGS et al., 2008MAGGS, D.J. et al. Slatter's fundamentals of veterinary ophthalmology. 4 ed. Saint Louis: Elsevier Saunders, 2008. 478 p.).

While the composition of artificial tears must be similar to that of natural tears in order to simulate its organic characteristics, the full complexity of the lacrimal film cannot be reproduced yet (DEWS, 2007DEWS (INTERNATIONAL DRY EYE WORKSHOP). Management and therapy of dry eye disease: report of the Management and Therapy subcommittee of the International Dry Eye WorkShop (2007). Ocular Surface , v.5, n.2, p.163-178, 2007., DOGRU et al., 2013DOGRU, M. et al. Changing trends in the treatment of dry-eye disease. Expert opinion on investigational drugs, v.22, n.12, p.1581-1601, 2013. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088227>. Accessed: Aug. 30, 2015. doi: 10.1517/13543784.2013.838557.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088...
). Consequently, the formulations of ocular lubricants are constantly being revised and updated (DOGRU et al., 2013DOGRU, M. et al. Changing trends in the treatment of dry-eye disease. Expert opinion on investigational drugs, v.22, n.12, p.1581-1601, 2013. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088227>. Accessed: Aug. 30, 2015. doi: 10.1517/13543784.2013.838557.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088...
). Given the variety of available products, the aim of this review was to present the main formulations of lacrimomimetics and their effect on the ocular surface, and thus guide clinicians on the best choice for each individual patient.

DEVELOPMENT:

An ideal lacrimomimetic must provide an environment compatible with the maintenance of the ocular physiology and must support epithelial healing (UBELS et al., 1995UBELS, J.L.et al. Effects of preservative-free artificial tear solutions on corneal epithelial structure and function. Archives of ophthalmology, v.113, n.3, p.371-378, 1995.). Among the available options, special attention should be given to the lubricating agents and to some of their key properties: electrolyte composition, osmolarity, and presence of preservatives (GRAHN & STOREY, 2004GRAHN, B.H.; STOREY, E.S. Lacrimostimulants and lacrimomimetics. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, v.34, n.3, p.739-753, 2004.).

Lubricant agents

Fully functioning lubrication by the lacrimal film is necessary for the maintenance of ocular health and for proper interaction between the structures of the ocular surface (SCHMIDT et al., 2013SCHMIDT, T.A. et al. Transcription, translation, and function of lubricin, a boundary lubricant, at the ocular surface. Journal American Medical, Association ophthalmology, v.131, n.6, p.766-776, 2013. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23599181>. Accessed: Jul. 17, 2015. doi: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2013.2385.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23599...
). Disorders of the ocular surface increase the friction of the eyelids over the cornea and conjunctiva, which can be minimized with the addition of lubricants or viscosity agents (DEWS, 2007DEWS (INTERNATIONAL DRY EYE WORKSHOP). Management and therapy of dry eye disease: report of the Management and Therapy subcommittee of the International Dry Eye WorkShop (2007). Ocular Surface , v.5, n.2, p.163-178, 2007.; SCHMIDT et al., 2013SCHMIDT, T.A. et al. Transcription, translation, and function of lubricin, a boundary lubricant, at the ocular surface. Journal American Medical, Association ophthalmology, v.131, n.6, p.766-776, 2013. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23599181>. Accessed: Jul. 17, 2015. doi: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2013.2385.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23599...
). Furthermore, the formulations of lacrimomimetics must accommodate the necessity of intermittent instillation, while aiming to mimic the continual production of natural tears (DOGRU et al., 2013DOGRU, M. et al. Changing trends in the treatment of dry-eye disease. Expert opinion on investigational drugs, v.22, n.12, p.1581-1601, 2013. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088227>. Accessed: Aug. 30, 2015. doi: 10.1517/13543784.2013.838557.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088...
). Thus, viscosity agents are included in the formulation in order to increase the contact time of the drop with the ocular surface and extend comfort duration (DEWS, 2007DEWS (INTERNATIONAL DRY EYE WORKSHOP). Management and therapy of dry eye disease: report of the Management and Therapy subcommittee of the International Dry Eye WorkShop (2007). Ocular Surface , v.5, n.2, p.163-178, 2007.).

The disadvantages of such agents are the blurring of vision and the accumulation in the eyelashes, which is more evident in thicker solutions (CALONGE, 2001CALONGE, M. The treatment of dry eye. Survey of Ophthalmology, v.45, p.S227-S239, 2001.; DEWS, 2007DEWS (INTERNATIONAL DRY EYE WORKSHOP). Management and therapy of dry eye disease: report of the Management and Therapy subcommittee of the International Dry Eye WorkShop (2007). Ocular Surface , v.5, n.2, p.163-178, 2007.). For veterinary patients, because quality of life can be prioritized over visual acuity, the blurring of vision is not a main concern (MOORE, 1999MOORE, C.P. Diseases and surgery of the lacrimal secretory system. In: GELATT, K.N. Veterinary ophtalmology. 3.ed. Philadelphia: Williams & Wilkins, 1999. p.583-608.). The most commonly used lubricating agents used are cellulose derivatives, sodium hyaluronate, synthetic polymers, hydroxypropyl-guar, and glycerin (GRAHN & STOREY, 2004GRAHN, B.H.; STOREY, E.S. Lacrimostimulants and lacrimomimetics. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, v.34, n.3, p.739-753, 2004.; SPRINGS, 2010SPRINGS, C. Novel ocular lubricant containing an intelligent delivery system: details of its mechanism of action. In: BREWITT, H. Research projects in dry eye syndrome. Basel: Karger, 2010. V.45, p.129-147. doi: 10.1159/000315027.
https://doi.org/10.1159/000315027....
; DOGRU et al., 2013DOGRU, M. et al. Changing trends in the treatment of dry-eye disease. Expert opinion on investigational drugs, v.22, n.12, p.1581-1601, 2013. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088227>. Accessed: Aug. 30, 2015. doi: 10.1517/13543784.2013.838557.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088...
) (Table 1).

Table 1
Main commercial ocular lubricants found currently on the Brazilian market. CMC: Carboxymethylcellulose; HPMC: Hypromellose; PEG 400/PE+HPG: Polyethylene glycol 400/propylene glycol +hydroxypropyl-guar; SH: Sodium hyaluronate; BAK: Benzalkonium chloride.

Cellulose derivatives are polysaccharides with good ocular surface retention time and lubricant action; they are non-irritants that can be used in association with other ophthalmic formulations. Among them, the most common are carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and hypromellose (HPMC) (CALONGE, 2001CALONGE, M. The treatment of dry eye. Survey of Ophthalmology, v.45, p.S227-S239, 2001.; DOGRU et al., 2013DOGRU, M. et al. Changing trends in the treatment of dry-eye disease. Expert opinion on investigational drugs, v.22, n.12, p.1581-1601, 2013. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088227>. Accessed: Aug. 30, 2015. doi: 10.1517/13543784.2013.838557.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088...
).

Carboxymethylcellulose is the most commonly used agent in commercial formulations, as it has desirable mucoadhesive and viscoelastic properties and a high retention time on the ocular surface (GARRET et al., 2007GARRETT, Q. et al. Carboxymethyl cellulose binds to human corneal epithelial cells and is a modulator of corneal epithelial wound healing. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, v.48, n.4, p.1559, 2007.; DEWS, 2007DEWS (INTERNATIONAL DRY EYE WORKSHOP). Management and therapy of dry eye disease: report of the Management and Therapy subcommittee of the International Dry Eye WorkShop (2007). Ocular Surface , v.5, n.2, p.163-178, 2007.; COLLIGRIS et al., 2014COLLIGRIS, B. et al. An update on dry eye disease molecular treatment: advances in drug pipelines. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, v.15, n.10, p.1371-1390, 2014. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24773445>. Accessed: Jul. 17, 2015. doi: 10.1517/14656566.2014.914492.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24773...
). It reduces the signs and symptoms of KCS in humans (SIMMONS & VEHIGE, 2007SIMMONS, P.A.; VEHIGE, J.G. Clinical performance of a mid-viscosity artificial tear for dry eye treatment. Cornea , v.26, n.3, p.294-302, 2007.). Moreover, its ability to stimulate cellular migration has been established in vitro and in animal models (rabbits), where CMC binds to the corneal epithelial cells and supports the healing of epithelial defects (GARRETT et al., 2007GARRETT, Q. et al. Carboxymethyl cellulose binds to human corneal epithelial cells and is a modulator of corneal epithelial wound healing. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, v.48, n.4, p.1559, 2007.; GARRETT et al., 2008GARRETT, Q. et al. Carboxymethyl cellulose stimulates rabbit corneal epithelial wound healing. Current Eye Research, v.33, n.7, p.567-573, 2008. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18600489>. Accessed: Aug. 05, 2015. doi: 10.1080/02713680802140213.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18600...
).

CMC is usually used in concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% and with different molecular weights ranging from an equivalent of less than 5 to more than 1000 centipoise (DEWS, 2007DEWS (INTERNATIONAL DRY EYE WORKSHOP). Management and therapy of dry eye disease: report of the Management and Therapy subcommittee of the International Dry Eye WorkShop (2007). Ocular Surface , v.5, n.2, p.163-178, 2007.; SIMMONS & VEHIGE, 2007SIMMONS, P.A.; VEHIGE, J.G. Clinical performance of a mid-viscosity artificial tear for dry eye treatment. Cornea , v.26, n.3, p.294-302, 2007.). Concentrations higher than 1% can cause blurring of vision and secretion of sticky material in humans, but provide a higher retention time on the ocular surface, and hence require fewer daily instillations (SIMMONS& VEHIGE, 2007SIMMONS, P.A.; VEHIGE, J.G. Clinical performance of a mid-viscosity artificial tear for dry eye treatment. Cornea , v.26, n.3, p.294-302, 2007.). Hypromellose is another viscoelastic polysaccharide with good retention properties. While it is commonly used, it has the disadvantage of encrusting the eyelids, which may mimic blepharitis in humans (CALONGE, 2001CALONGE, M. The treatment of dry eye. Survey of Ophthalmology, v.45, p.S227-S239, 2001.).

Sodium Hyaluronate (SH) is a glycosaminoglycan, present in natural tears, with excellent viscoelastic, lubricating and water retention properties (MOORE, 1999MOORE, C.P. Diseases and surgery of the lacrimal secretory system. In: GELATT, K.N. Veterinary ophtalmology. 3.ed. Philadelphia: Williams & Wilkins, 1999. p.583-608.). There are many reports of its efficacy and safety (COLLIGRISet al., 2014COLLIGRIS, B. et al. An update on dry eye disease molecular treatment: advances in drug pipelines. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, v.15, n.10, p.1371-1390, 2014. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24773445>. Accessed: Jul. 17, 2015. doi: 10.1517/14656566.2014.914492.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24773...
). Its retention time on the ocular surface is high and it promotes epithelial cell migration, thereby supporting epithelial healing (GOMES et al., 2004GOMES, J.A.P. et al. Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) promotes migration of human corneal epithelial cells in vitro. British journal of ophthalmology, v.88, n.6, p.821-825, 2004.; DEWS, 2007DEWS (INTERNATIONAL DRY EYE WORKSHOP). Management and therapy of dry eye disease: report of the Management and Therapy subcommittee of the International Dry Eye WorkShop (2007). Ocular Surface , v.5, n.2, p.163-178, 2007., DOGRU et al., 2013DOGRU, M. et al. Changing trends in the treatment of dry-eye disease. Expert opinion on investigational drugs, v.22, n.12, p.1581-1601, 2013. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088227>. Accessed: Aug. 30, 2015. doi: 10.1517/13543784.2013.838557.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088...
). There is also evidence that SH has a direct role in ocular inflammation and in cellular adhesion and migration (GOMES et al., 2004GOMES, J.A.P. et al. Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) promotes migration of human corneal epithelial cells in vitro. British journal of ophthalmology, v.88, n.6, p.821-825, 2004.; DOGRU et al., 2013DOGRU, M. et al. Changing trends in the treatment of dry-eye disease. Expert opinion on investigational drugs, v.22, n.12, p.1581-1601, 2013. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088227>. Accessed: Aug. 30, 2015. doi: 10.1517/13543784.2013.838557.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088...
).

The combination of CMC and SH has high viscosity under low friction conditions (between blinking), thus stabilizing the tear film, but low viscosity under high friction conditions (during the blinking), thus it causes less adverse effects such as discomfort in humans (SIMMONS et al., 2015bSIMMONS, P.A. et al. Efficacy and safety of two new formulations of artificial tears in subjects with dry eye disease: a 3-month, multicenter, active-controlled, randomized trial. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, NZ), v.9, p.665, 2015b. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4404880/>. Accessed: Jul. 15, 2015. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S78184.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles...
). SIMMONS et al. (2015bSIMMONS, P.A. et al. Efficacy and safety of two new formulations of artificial tears in subjects with dry eye disease: a 3-month, multicenter, active-controlled, randomized trial. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, NZ), v.9, p.665, 2015b. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4404880/>. Accessed: Jul. 15, 2015. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S78184.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles...
) tested this association by comparing three formulations: CMC 0.5% and SH 0.1%, CMC 0.5% and SH 0.15%, and CMC 0.5% (Refresh Tears(r)). The analysis showed that the combination of CMC and SH was well tolerated and led to better treatment outcomes, causing less adverse effects when compared to one polymer alone.

Synthetic polymeric lubricants that are commonly used are carbomer (polyacrylic acid) and povidone (polyvinylpyrrolidone). Carbomer is a polymer with a high viscosity and a good retention time, but it causes intense blurring (CALONGE, 2001CALONGE, M. The treatment of dry eye. Survey of Ophthalmology, v.45, p.S227-S239, 2001.). Povidones are linear polymers with mucinomimetic properties and have a good retention time (CALONGE, 2001CALONGE, M. The treatment of dry eye. Survey of Ophthalmology, v.45, p.S227-S239, 2001.). They are often added to cellulose-based solutions to supplement both the aqueous and mucin layers of the tear film or to polyvinylic alcohol solutions to increase wetting of the ocular surface (CALONGE, 2001CALONGE, M. The treatment of dry eye. Survey of Ophthalmology, v.45, p.S227-S239, 2001.; GRAHN & STOREY, 2004GRAHN, B.H.; STOREY, E.S. Lacrimostimulants and lacrimomimetics. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, v.34, n.3, p.739-753, 2004.).

Hydroxypropyl-guar (HPG) is used in combination with polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG) and propylene glycol (PG) as a gelling agent that adapts to the abnormalities of the lacrimal film and alterations on the ocular surface (CHRISTENSEN, 2008CHRISTENSEN, M.T. Corneal staining reductions observed after treatment with Systane(r) lubricant eye drops. Advances in therapy, v.25, n.11, p.1191-1199, 2008. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18972076>. Accessed: Jul, 15, 2015. doi: 10.1007/s12325-008-0112-0.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18972...
).

An ophthalmic formulation of HPG includes sorbitol and borate. The formulation is stored at pH 7, at which sorbitol binds to borate. This promotes a low solution viscosity, which facilitates the instillation of the eye drops and decreases the immediate adverse effects. Once instilled in the eye, where the pH is around 7.5, this link is dissociated, and HPG binds to borate and forms a gel with bio adhesive properties, increasing the duration of exposure to the active ingredients (UBELS et al., 2004UBELS, J.L.et al. Pre-clinical investigation of the efficacy of an artificial tear solution containing hydroxypropyl-guar as a gelling agent. Current eye research, v.28, n.6, p.437-444, 2004.; DAVITT et al., 2010DAVITT, W.F. et al. Efficacy in patients with dry eye after treatment with a new lubricant eye drop formulation. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, v.26, n.4, p.347-353, 2010. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20653478>. Accessed: Jul. 15, 2015. doi: 10.1089/jop.2010.0025.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20653...
; SPRINGS, 2010SPRINGS, C. Novel ocular lubricant containing an intelligent delivery system: details of its mechanism of action. In: BREWITT, H. Research projects in dry eye syndrome. Basel: Karger, 2010. V.45, p.129-147. doi: 10.1159/000315027.
https://doi.org/10.1159/000315027....
). HPG molecules bind to the hydrophobic regions, i.e., areas where the glycocalyx integrity is compromised, and promoted local healing and lubrication (UBELS et al., 2004UBELS, J.L.et al. Pre-clinical investigation of the efficacy of an artificial tear solution containing hydroxypropyl-guar as a gelling agent. Current eye research, v.28, n.6, p.437-444, 2004.).

HPG solutions are an effective treatment for KCS as they increase the tear break up time (TBUT) (OUSLER et al., 2007OUSLER, G.W. et al. An evaluation of tear film breakup time extension and ocular protection index scores among three marketed lubricant eye drops. Cornea , v.26, n.8, p.949-952, 2007.). A commercial solution of HPG (Systane Ultra(r)) has been shown to provide protection against desiccation in vivo (rabbit models) and in vitro, and provided a favorable environment for the regeneration of epithelial cells (UBELS et al., 2004UBELS, J.L.et al. Pre-clinical investigation of the efficacy of an artificial tear solution containing hydroxypropyl-guar as a gelling agent. Current eye research, v.28, n.6, p.437-444, 2004.). Comparisons between PEG/PG and HPG (Systane(r) Gel Drops) with solutions of CMC 0.5% with glycerin and compatible solutes (Optive(r)), CMC 1% (Refresh LiquiGel(r)), and glycerin 1% and polysorbate 80 1% (Refresh Endura(r)) have also demonstrated its superior efficacy (OUSLER et al., 2007OUSLER, G.W. et al. An evaluation of tear film breakup time extension and ocular protection index scores among three marketed lubricant eye drops. Cornea , v.26, n.8, p.949-952, 2007.; COHEN et al., 2014COHEN, S. et al. Evaluation of clinical outcomes in patients with dry eye disease using lubricant eye drops containing polyethylene glycol or carboxymethylcellulose. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, NZ), v.8, p.157, 2014. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24403819>. Accessed: Jul. 28, 2015. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S53822.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24403...
). However, some studies reported that there is no difference between the formulations Systane(r), Optive(r) and Refresh LiquiGel(r) regarding the reduction of symptoms, consumer satisfaction, and safety of the product (DAVITT et al., 2010DAVITT, W.F. et al. Efficacy in patients with dry eye after treatment with a new lubricant eye drop formulation. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, v.26, n.4, p.347-353, 2010. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20653478>. Accessed: Jul. 15, 2015. doi: 10.1089/jop.2010.0025.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20653...
; COHEN et al., 2014COHEN, S. et al. Evaluation of clinical outcomes in patients with dry eye disease using lubricant eye drops containing polyethylene glycol or carboxymethylcellulose. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, NZ), v.8, p.157, 2014. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24403819>. Accessed: Jul. 28, 2015. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S53822.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24403...
).

Lipid ointments are an alternative to viscosity polymers. They are used to lubricate the ocular surface and supplement the lipid layer of the tear (MOORE, 1999MOORE, C.P. Diseases and surgery of the lacrimal secretory system. In: GELATT, K.N. Veterinary ophtalmology. 3.ed. Philadelphia: Williams & Wilkins, 1999. p.583-608.; CALONGE, 2001CALONGE, M. The treatment of dry eye. Survey of Ophthalmology, v.45, p.S227-S239, 2001.; DEWS, 2007DEWS (INTERNATIONAL DRY EYE WORKSHOP). Management and therapy of dry eye disease: report of the Management and Therapy subcommittee of the International Dry Eye WorkShop (2007). Ocular Surface , v.5, n.2, p.163-178, 2007.; HOPKINS, 2007HOPKINS, G. Artificial tears and ocular lubricants. In: HOPKINS, G.; PEARSON, R. Ophthalmic drugs. 5.ed. Edinburg: Butterworth-Heinemann, 2007. p.243-256.; NICHOLS et al., 2011NICHOLS, K.K. et al. The international workshop on meibomian gland dysfunction: executive summary. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science , v.52, n.4, p.1922, 2011.Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3072157/>. Accessed: Jul. 11, 2015. doi: 10.1167/iovs.10-6997a.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles...
). Consequently, they increase the lacrimal stability and overcome the limitations of retention time that are seen in the aqueous agents (AMRANE et al., 2014AMRANE, M. et al. Ocular tolerability and efficacy of a cationic emulsion in patients with mild to moderate dry eye disease - A randomised comparative study. Journal Françaisd'Ophtalmologie, v. 37 n. 8, p.589-598, 2014. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25127703>. Accessed: Jul. 26, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.jfo.2014.05.001.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25127...
). For humans, lipid ointments are indicated in cases of severe evaporative KCS and meibomian gland dysfunction (NICHOLS et al., 2011; ZHANG et al., 2014ZHANG, W. et al. A novel nanoscale-dispersed eye ointment for the treatment of dry eye disease. Nanotechnology, v.25, n.12, p.125-101, 2014. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24571862>. Accessed: Jul. 16, 2015. doi: 10.1088/0957-4484/25/12/125101.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24571...
).

The most commonly used lubricating agents are petrolatum and mineral oil (MOORE, 1999MOORE, C.P. Diseases and surgery of the lacrimal secretory system. In: GELATT, K.N. Veterinary ophtalmology. 3.ed. Philadelphia: Williams & Wilkins, 1999. p.583-608.; GRAHN&STOREY, 2004GRAHN, B.H.; STOREY, E.S. Lacrimostimulants and lacrimomimetics. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, v.34, n.3, p.739-753, 2004.). In some cases, lanolin is also used, but it can cause irritation and it retards regeneration of the corneal epithelium (DEWS, 2007DEWS (INTERNATIONAL DRY EYE WORKSHOP). Management and therapy of dry eye disease: report of the Management and Therapy subcommittee of the International Dry Eye WorkShop (2007). Ocular Surface , v.5, n.2, p.163-178, 2007.). Because bacterial growth is limited in lipid ointments, most do not require the use of preservatives (DEWS, 2007DEWS (INTERNATIONAL DRY EYE WORKSHOP). Management and therapy of dry eye disease: report of the Management and Therapy subcommittee of the International Dry Eye WorkShop (2007). Ocular Surface , v.5, n.2, p.163-178, 2007.).

Some recent reports have shown the beneficial properties of castor oil on the reestablishment of the tear lipid layer, and in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunctions (KHANAL et al., 2007KHANAL, S. et al. Effect of an oil-in-water emulsion on the tear physiology of patients with mild to moderate dry eye. Cornea , v.26, n.2, p.175-181, 2007.; SIMMONS et al., 2015aSIMMONS, P.A. et al. Efficacy, safety, and acceptability of a lipid-based artificial tear formulation: a randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial. Clinical therapeutics, v.37, n.4, p.858-868, 2015a. doi: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2015.01.001.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinthera.2015...
). The main component of the castor oil-based formulation is ricinoleic acid, an omega-9 unsaturated fatty acid that immediately spreads over the aqueous layer (SIMMONS et al., 2015aSIMMONS, P.A. et al. Efficacy, safety, and acceptability of a lipid-based artificial tear formulation: a randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial. Clinical therapeutics, v.37, n.4, p.858-868, 2015a. doi: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2015.01.001.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinthera.2015...
).

New strategies have been developed in recent years to reduce the adverse effects. VICARIO-DE-LA-TORRE et al. (2014VICARIO-DE-LA-TORRE, M.et al. Design and characterization of an ocular topical liposomal preparation to replenish the lipids of the tear. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science , v.55, n.12, p.7839-7847, 2014. Available from: <http://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2212639>. Accessed: Jul. 24, 2015. doi: 10.1167/iovs.14-14700.
http://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.asp...
) developed liposomes that contain phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, vitamin E, and SH to replace the aqueous-mucin layer and increase the retention time. The pH, osmolarity, viscosity, and surface tension of this solution are suitable for ophthalmic use and exhibited good tolerability in vitro and in vivo. Liposome products are already available in some countries (KHANAL et al., 2007KHANAL, S. et al. Effect of an oil-in-water emulsion on the tear physiology of patients with mild to moderate dry eye. Cornea , v.26, n.2, p.175-181, 2007.).

Recently, cationic emulsions have also been introduced in the formulation of ocular lubricants. Cationic emulsions contain positively charged lipid droplets that are attracted to the negatively charged ocular surface through electrostatic interactions, thus increasing retention time (DU TOIT et al., 2011DU TOIT, L.C. et al. Ocular drug delivery-a look towards nanobioadhesives. Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, v.8, n.1, p.71-94, 2011. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21174606>. Accessed: Aug. 02, 2015. doi: 10.1517/17425247.2011.542142.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21174...
; AMRANE et al., 2014AMRANE, M. et al. Ocular tolerability and efficacy of a cationic emulsion in patients with mild to moderate dry eye disease - A randomised comparative study. Journal Françaisd'Ophtalmologie, v. 37 n. 8, p.589-598, 2014. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25127703>. Accessed: Jul. 26, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.jfo.2014.05.001.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25127...
). The nano scale size of the droplets also amplifies their bioavailability (DU TOIT et al., 2011DU TOIT, L.C. et al. Ocular drug delivery-a look towards nanobioadhesives. Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, v.8, n.1, p.71-94, 2011. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21174606>. Accessed: Aug. 02, 2015. doi: 10.1517/17425247.2011.542142.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21174...
). AMRANE et al. (2014) developed cationic emulsions containing mineral oil and cetalkonium chloride. In a clinical trial, this formulation was compared to a polyvinyl acid and povidone lubricant (Refresh(r)). Both solutions increased the scores on the Schirmer test, decreased the fluorescein stain, and were considered comfortable and stable. However, the cationic emulsion had superior tear break up time and lissamine green stain results, indicating better integrity of the lacrimal film and protection of the ocular surface. Number of adverse effects was low in both groups. OUSLER et al. (2015OUSLER, G.W.et al. An evaluation of Retaine(tm) ophthalmic emulsion in the management of tear film stability and ocular surface staining in patients diagnosed with dry eye. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, NZ), v.9, p.235, 2015.) also showed its efficacy in reducing the signs and symptoms of dry eye and promoting tear stability. However, ointment use should be avoided in eyes with impending corneal perforations or deep or flap-like corneal lacerations before or during intraocular surgery (REGNIER, 2013REGNIER, A. Clinical Pharmacology and therapeutics. Part 1: Drug delivery and pharmacokinetics. In: GELATT, K.N. et al. Veterinary ophthalmology . Iowa: Wiley-Blackwell, 2013. Chapt.4, p.351-380.).

Properties of the Lacrimomimetics

Electrolytes The addition of electrolytes, mainly bicarbonate and potassium, to artificial tears can be beneficial for the ocular surface. The correct electrolyte composition is essential to the maintenance of the goblet cell density and the corneal glycogen levels (GILBARD et al., 1989GILBARD, J.P. et al. Ophthalmic solutions, the ocular surface, and a unique therapeutic artificial tear formulation. American Journal of Ophthalmology, v.107,n.4, p.348-355, 1989.; DEWS, 2007DEWS (INTERNATIONAL DRY EYE WORKSHOP). Management and therapy of dry eye disease: report of the Management and Therapy subcommittee of the International Dry Eye WorkShop (2007). Ocular Surface , v.5, n.2, p.163-178, 2007.). There is also evidence that the presence of calcium improves ocular surface symptoms as it is required for intercellular adhesion (TSUBOTA et al., 1999TSUBOTA, K. et al. New treatment of dry eye: the effect of calcium ointment through eyelid skin delivery. British journal of ophthalmology , v.83, n.7, p.767-770, 1999.).

Lacrimomimetics usually have a neutral to mildly alkaline pH (HOPKINS, 2007HOPKINS, G. Artificial tears and ocular lubricants. In: HOPKINS, G.; PEARSON, R. Ophthalmic drugs. 5.ed. Edinburg: Butterworth-Heinemann, 2007. p.243-256.). Solutions with a higher pH seem to increase ocular comfort (DOGRU et al., 2013DOGRU, M. et al. Changing trends in the treatment of dry-eye disease. Expert opinion on investigational drugs, v.22, n.12, p.1581-1601, 2013. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088227>. Accessed: Aug. 30, 2015. doi: 10.1517/13543784.2013.838557.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088...
). Sodium bicarbonate is frequently added to ophthalmic solutions as a buffer and provided a mildly alkaline pH (DOGRU et al., 2013DOGRU, M. et al. Changing trends in the treatment of dry-eye disease. Expert opinion on investigational drugs, v.22, n.12, p.1581-1601, 2013. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088227>. Accessed: Aug. 30, 2015. doi: 10.1517/13543784.2013.838557.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088...
). Besides its activity as a physiological buffer solution, the bicarbonate molecules also play a role in regenerating the epithelial barrier and maintaining the corneal ultra structure (UBELS et al., 1995UBELS, J.L.et al. Effects of preservative-free artificial tear solutions on corneal epithelial structure and function. Archives of ophthalmology, v.113, n.3, p.371-378, 1995.; DOGRU et al., 2013DOGRU, M. et al. Changing trends in the treatment of dry-eye disease. Expert opinion on investigational drugs, v.22, n.12, p.1581-1601, 2013. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088227>. Accessed: Aug. 30, 2015. doi: 10.1517/13543784.2013.838557.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088...
). Other buffers include proteins, phosphate, acetate, and borate (DOGRU et al., 2013DOGRU, M. et al. Changing trends in the treatment of dry-eye disease. Expert opinion on investigational drugs, v.22, n.12, p.1581-1601, 2013. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088227>. Accessed: Aug. 30, 2015. doi: 10.1517/13543784.2013.838557.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088...
).

Osmolarity of the pre-corneal tear film is around 337 mOsmL-1 in dogs, 238.5mOsmL-1 in cats, and 302mOsmL-1 in humans (TOMLINSON et al., 2006TOMLINSON, A. et al. Tear film osmolarity: determination of a referent for dry eye diagnosis. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science , v.47, n.10, p.4309-4315, 2006.; DAVIS & TOWNSEND, 2011DAVIS, K.; TOWNSEND, W. Tear-film osmolarity in normal cats and cats with conjunctivitis. Veterinary ophthalmology, v.14, n.s1, p.54-59, 2011. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21923824>. Accessed: Sep. 26, 2015. doi: 10.1111/j.1463-5224.2011.00916.x.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21923...
; SEBBAG et al., 2014SEBBAG, L. et al. Tear film osmolarity measurements using the TearLab TM osmometer in normal dogs and dogs with dry eye disease. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science , v.55, n.13, p.1967-1967, 2014.). However, large variations are reported in domestic animals. In cases of dry eye in humans, it has been well established that the osmotic pattern is altered due to the high evaporation rate and the reduced aqueous flow, which results in hyperosmolarity, above 316mOsmL-1 (DEWS, 2007; BAUDOUIN et al., 2013BAUDOUIN, C. et al. Role of hyperosmolarity in the pathogenesis and management of dry eye disease: proceedings of the OCEAN group meeting. Ocular Surface, v. 11, n. 4, p.246-258, 2013.Available from: <http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2013.07.003>. Accessed: Jul. 30, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.jtos.2013.07.003.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2013.07...
). Increased osmotic stress leads to oxidative damage and the activation of inflammatory cascades, which culminates in the death of goblet cells (MOORE et al., 2011MOORE, J.E. et al. Effect of tear hyperosmolarity and signs of clinical ocular surface pathology upon conjunctival goblet cell function in the human ocular surface. Investigative Ophthalmology &Visual Science, v.52, n.9, p.6174-6180, 2011. Available from: <http://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2187187>. Accessed: Aug. 05, 2015. doi: 10.1167/iovs.10-7022.
http://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.asp...
; BAUDOUIN et al., 2013). Loss of goblet cells leads to alterations of the mucin layer, and hence further instability of the lacrimal film. This creates a vicious cycle that is central to the pathophysiology of the disease (MOORE et al., 2011; BAUDOUIN et al., 2013).

Thus, although many artificial tear formulations are isotonic, some have low osmolarity, with the aim of diluting the diseased tear film back to normal osmolarity (HOPKINS, 2007HOPKINS, G. Artificial tears and ocular lubricants. In: HOPKINS, G.; PEARSON, R. Ophthalmic drugs. 5.ed. Edinburg: Butterworth-Heinemann, 2007. p.243-256.). While some studies have indicated that hypotonic solutions are superior regarding the improvement of symptoms and patient compliance, others failed to find significant differences between isotonic and hypotonic solutions (PAPA et al., 2001PAPA, V. et al. Comparison of hypotonic and isotonic solutions containing sodium hyaluronate on the symptomatic treatment of dry eye patients. Ophthalmologica, v.215, n.2, p.124-127, 2001.; ARAGONA et al., 2002ARAGONA, P. et al. Sodium hyaluronate eye drops of different osmolarity for the treatment of dry eye in Sjögren's syndrome patients. British journal of ophthalmology, v. 86, n. 8, p.879-884, 2002. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1771217/>. Accessed: Aug. 23, 2015. doi: 10.1136/bjo.86.8.879.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles...
; TROIANO & MONACO, 2008TROIANO, P.; MONACO, G. Effect of hypotonic 0.4% hyaluronic acid drops in dry eye patients: a cross-over study. Cornea , v.27, n.10, p.1126-1130, 2008. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19034126>. Accessed: Sep. 12, 2015. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0b013e318180e55c.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19034...
). The main disadvantage of these drops is the limited ocular action (BAUDOUIN et al., 2013BAUDOUIN, C. et al. Role of hyperosmolarity in the pathogenesis and management of dry eye disease: proceedings of the OCEAN group meeting. Ocular Surface, v. 11, n. 4, p.246-258, 2013.Available from: <http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2013.07.003>. Accessed: Jul. 30, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.jtos.2013.07.003.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2013.07...
).

The addition of osmoprotectants has been reported to neutralize the damage caused by hyperosmolarity in patients with KCS (BAUDOUIN et al., 2013BAUDOUIN, C. et al. Role of hyperosmolarity in the pathogenesis and management of dry eye disease: proceedings of the OCEAN group meeting. Ocular Surface, v. 11, n. 4, p.246-258, 2013.Available from: <http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2013.07.003>. Accessed: Jul. 30, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.jtos.2013.07.003.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2013.07...
). The proposed mechanisms of action are antioxidant action, stabilization of protein surfaces, and restoration of cellular volume (YANCEY, 2005YANCEY, P.H. Organic osmolytes as compatible, metabolic and counteracting cytoprotectants in high osmolarity and other stresses. Journal of Experimental Biology, v.208, n.15, p.2819-2830, 2005.). Osmoprotectants commonly used in artificial tears are erythritol, glycerol, L-carnitin,and betaine (BAUDOUIN et al., 2013). L-carnitin and erythritol protect the corneal cells against osmotic stress (CORRALES et al., 2008CORRALES, R.M. et al. Effects of osmoprotectants on hyperosmolar stress in cultured human corneal epithelial cells. Cornea, v.27, n.5, p.574-579, 2008. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18520508>. Accessed: Aug. 04, 2015. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0b013e318165b19e.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18520...
). Betaine suppresses the expression, production, and activation of metalloproteinases (DENG et al., 2014DENG, R.et al. Osmoprotectants suppress the production and activity of matrix metalloproteinases induced by hyperosmolarity in primary human corneal epithelial cells. MolecularVision, v.20, p.1243, 2014.). Metalloproteinases are enzymes responsible for tissue remodeling. However, in a hyperosmotic environment, their production is increased and can lead to corneal ulcers and corneal melting. Thus, the control of metalloproteinase expression is desirable (PERCHES et al., 2012PERCHES, C.S. et al. Matriz metaloproteinases na reparação corneal. Revisão de literatura. Veterinária e Zootecnia, v.19, n.4, p.480-489, 2012.).

Preservatives are added to the formulations to prevent contamination in the bottle, which may cause severe ocular infections (DOGRU et al., 2013DOGRU, M. et al. Changing trends in the treatment of dry-eye disease. Expert opinion on investigational drugs, v.22, n.12, p.1581-1601, 2013. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088227>. Accessed: Aug. 30, 2015. doi: 10.1517/13543784.2013.838557.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088...
; TU, 2014TU, E.Y. Balancing antimicrobial efficacy and toxicity of currently available topical ophthalmic preservatives. Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology , v.28, n.3, p.182-187, 2014. Available from: <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319453414000721>. Accessed: Jul. 09, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.sjopt.2014.06.006.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/art...
). However, these substances are highly toxic to the ocular surface when chronically used, and may worsen the inflammation and disease (DEWS, 2007; DOGRU et al., 2013; TU, 2014). While this toxicity is dose-dependent, even the low concentrations reported in commercial products can cause deleterious effects (EPSTEIN et al., 2009EPSTEIN, S.P. et al. Comparative toxicity of preservatives on immortalized corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics , v.25, n.2, p.113-119, 2009. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19284328>. Accessed: Aug. 15, 2015. doi: 10.1089/jop.2008.0098.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19284...
). Although less toxic preservatives have been developed, none are completely non-toxic (DEWS, 2007). The main preservatives are detergents (benzalkonium chloride, cetrimide, polyquad) or oxidative agents (sodium perborate, stabilized oxychloro complex) (NOECKER, 2001NOECKER, R. Effects of common ophthalmic preservatives on ocular health. Advances in therapy , v.18, n.5, p.205-215, 2001.).

Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) has been the most frequently used preservative in the last few decades and is extremely toxic to the conjunctival and corneal cells (DEWS, 2007; TU, 2014TU, E.Y. Balancing antimicrobial efficacy and toxicity of currently available topical ophthalmic preservatives. Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology , v.28, n.3, p.182-187, 2014. Available from: <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319453414000721>. Accessed: Jul. 09, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.sjopt.2014.06.006.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/art...
). When chronically used, it destabilizes the lacrimal film, and affects the intercellular junctions, the cellular morphology, and the microvilli. It also reduces the goblet cell density, thus altering the mucin layer, and can eventually cause apoptosis or necrosis and epithelial desquamation (LABBÉ et al., 2006LABBÉ, A. et al. Comparison of toxicological profiles of benzalkonium chloride and polyquaternium-1: an experimental study. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology & Therapeutics, v.22, n.4, p.267-278, 2006.; DEWS, 2007; KAUR et al., 2009KAUR, I.P.et al. Ocular preservatives: associated risks and newer options. Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, v.28, n.3, p.93-103, 2009. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19505226>. Accessed: Aug. 04, 2015. doi: 10.1080/15569520902995834.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19505...
). Toxicity is dependent on concentration, frequency of administration, severity of the ocular disease and the level of lacrimal secretion (DEWS, 2007). Therefore, the deleterious effects are worse in KCS patients due to the high exposure of corneal epithelium and the low volume of tears to dilute the drug (NOECKER, 2001NOECKER, R. Effects of common ophthalmic preservatives on ocular health. Advances in therapy , v.18, n.5, p.205-215, 2001.). In addition, there is evidence that BAK, which is also found in eyedrops for glaucoma, can penetrate the globe and affect the trabecular meshwork (NOECKER et al., 2001; BAUDOUIN et al., 2012BAUDOUIN, C. et al. In vitro and in vivo experimental studies on trabecular meshwork degeneration induced by benzalkonium chloride (an American Ophthalmological Society thesis). Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society, v. 110, p. 40, 2012.).

A clinical trial comparing ophthalmic solutions containing BAK against preservative-free formulations demonstrated that the preservative-free treatment leads to significant improvement on the Schirmer test, TBUT and impression cytology compared to solutions containing BAK (JEE et al., 2014JEE, D. et al. Antioxidant and inflammatory cytokine in tears of patients with dry eye syndrome treated with preservative-free versus preserved eye drops. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, v.55, n.8, p.5081-5089, 2014. Available from: <http://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2128994>. Accessed: Jul. 15, 2015. doi: 10.1167/iovs.14-14483.
http://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.asp...
). Furthermore, the preservative can interfere with the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory responses on the ocular surface (JEE et al., 2014). Even though the toxicity of BAK is well established, it is still used in many ophthalmic solutions (Table 1) (LABBÉ et al., 2006LABBÉ, A. et al. Comparison of toxicological profiles of benzalkonium chloride and polyquaternium-1: an experimental study. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology & Therapeutics, v.22, n.4, p.267-278, 2006.).

Polyquaternium-1 (Polyquad) is a quaternary ammonium compound (TU, 2014TU, E.Y. Balancing antimicrobial efficacy and toxicity of currently available topical ophthalmic preservatives. Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology , v.28, n.3, p.182-187, 2014. Available from: <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319453414000721>. Accessed: Jul. 09, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.sjopt.2014.06.006.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/art...
). Although it is a detergent similar to BAK, its toxicity is restricted due to its high molecular weight, which limits epithelial cell penetration, thereby reducing the damage to the lacrimal film and ocular surface (LABBÉ et al., 2006LABBÉ, A. et al. Comparison of toxicological profiles of benzalkonium chloride and polyquaternium-1: an experimental study. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology & Therapeutics, v.22, n.4, p.267-278, 2006.).

Oxidative preservatives, such as sodium perborate and stabilized oxychloro complex, have antibacterial action and minimal toxicity (KAURet al., 2009KAUR, I.P.et al. Ocular preservatives: associated risks and newer options. Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, v.28, n.3, p.93-103, 2009. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19505226>. Accessed: Aug. 04, 2015. doi: 10.1080/15569520902995834.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19505...
; NOECKER, 2001NOECKER, R. Effects of common ophthalmic preservatives on ocular health. Advances in therapy , v.18, n.5, p.205-215, 2001.). Sodium perborate dissolves in water and releases hydrogen peroxide, which when in contact with the ocular surface is in turn converted into water, chlorine and oxygen (natural tear components) (NOECKER, 2011). However, hydrogen peroxide, even at low concentrations, may injure the ocular surface (KAUR et al., 2009; NOECKER, 2001).

Stabilized oxychlorocomplex, or Prurite(r), is a mixture of oxychloro species (chlorite 99.5%, chlorate 0.5% and traces of chlorine dioxide) that have anti-bacterial, anti-fungi and anti-viral action (KAUR et al., 2009KAUR, I.P.et al. Ocular preservatives: associated risks and newer options. Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, v.28, n.3, p.93-103, 2009. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19505226>. Accessed: Aug. 04, 2015. doi: 10.1080/15569520902995834.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19505...
; NOECKER, 2001NOECKER, R. Effects of common ophthalmic preservatives on ocular health. Advances in therapy , v.18, n.5, p.205-215, 2001.). The mechanism of action is the release of chlorine dioxide in acidic microbial environments, and the interference with microbial protein synthesis (KAUR et al., 2009). When in contact with the lacrimal film, it is converted into natural tear components such as water, oxygen, sodium, and chlorine (NOECKER, 2001). This preservative has mild cytotoxic effects, good tolerance, and an excellent safety record (NOECKER, 2001; KAUR et al., 2009). In a clinical trial, Prurite(r) had considerably minor deleterious effects (SIMMONS & VEHIGE, 2007SIMMONS, P.A.; VEHIGE, J.G. Clinical performance of a mid-viscosity artificial tear for dry eye treatment. Cornea , v.26, n.3, p.294-302, 2007.). Nonetheless, it has been shown to cause superficial punctate corneal fluorescein staining (SCHRAGE et al., 2012SCHRAGE, N. et al. The ex vivo eye irritation test (EVEIT) in evaluation of artificial tears: Prurite(r)-preserved versus unpreserved eye drops. Graefe's Archive for Clinical and ExperimentalOphthalmology , v.250, n.9, p.1333-1340, 2012. Available from: <http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00417-012-1999-3>. Accessed: Aug. 04, 2015. doi: 10.1007/s00417-012-1999-3.
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007...
).

The toxic effects of the preservatives are determined by their concentration, retention time, and frequency of administration (TU, 2014TU, E.Y. Balancing antimicrobial efficacy and toxicity of currently available topical ophthalmic preservatives. Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology , v.28, n.3, p.182-187, 2014. Available from: <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319453414000721>. Accessed: Jul. 09, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.sjopt.2014.06.006.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/art...
). Therefore, they are considered safe when applied less than six times a day (DEWS, 2007). When frequent instillation is necessary or the tear flow is reduced, a preservative-free solution is recommended (DEWS, 2007).

Preservative-free solutions are mostly packed in single-use vials (DOGRU et al., 2013DOGRU, M. et al. Changing trends in the treatment of dry-eye disease. Expert opinion on investigational drugs, v.22, n.12, p.1581-1601, 2013. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088227>. Accessed: Aug. 30, 2015. doi: 10.1517/13543784.2013.838557.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088...
). There are two main disadvantages to this method of packaging: the higher cost and the difficulty of carrying multiple vials, which leads to a low compliance (GRAHN & STOKEY, 2004GRAHN, B.H.; STOREY, E.S. Lacrimostimulants and lacrimomimetics. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, v.34, n.3, p.739-753, 2004.). As an alternative, preservative-free multiple-dose vials are available, with filters that prevent contamination in the bottle (LÓPEZ-GARCÍA & GARCÍA-LOZANO, 2012LÓPEZ-GARCÍA, J.S.; GARCÍA-LOZANO, I. Use of containers with sterilizing filter in autologous serum eyedrops. Ophthalmology, v.119, n.11, p.2225-2230, 2012. Available from: <http://www.aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420(12)00559-3/abstract>. Accessed: Jul. 15, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2012.06.028.
http://www.aaojournal.org/article/S0161-...
).

Formulation choice

The choice of which eye drop to prescribe must take into account factors such as cost, packaging, availability, clinician preferences, type and severity of the lacrimal abnormality and patient response (GRAHN&STOREY, 2004GRAHN, B.H.; STOREY, E.S. Lacrimostimulants and lacrimomimetics. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, v.34, n.3, p.739-753, 2004.; RIBEIRO et al., 2008RIBEIRO, A.P. et al. Qualitative and quantitative tear film abnormalities in dogs. Ciência Rural, v.38, n.2, p.568-575, 2008.).

For quantitative abnormalities of the aqueous layer, viscous eyedrops are recommended, where the viscosity is dependent on the severity of the disease. For qualitative abnormalities, ointments or mucinomimetics are recommended (GRAHN & STOREY, 2004GRAHN, B.H.; STOREY, E.S. Lacrimostimulants and lacrimomimetics. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, v.34, n.3, p.739-753, 2004.). In addition, due to the high retention time, ointments are recommended for treating severe cases (ZHANG, 2014ZHANG, W. et al. A novel nanoscale-dispersed eye ointment for the treatment of dry eye disease. Nanotechnology, v.25, n.12, p.125-101, 2014. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24571862>. Accessed: Jul. 16, 2015. doi: 10.1088/0957-4484/25/12/125101.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24571...
). In veterinary medicine, the recommended frequency of application is more than 6 times a day. Because this could be unfeasible for pet owners, ointments could be prescribed to reduce the number of applications to 4 times a day. However, lacrimomimetics are not used as a sole therapy in most cases. For example, when used to treat KCS, lacrimomimetics are not effective as a sole therapy and should instead be administered as an adjunct to lacrimostimulants (GRAHN & STOREY, 2004).

Based on studies on the evaluation of ocular lubricant formulations, MOSHIRFAR et al. (2014MOSHIRFAR, M.et al. Artificial tears potpourri: a literature review. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, NZ), v.8, p.1419, 2014. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4124072/>. Accessed: Oct. 19, 2015. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S65263.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles...
) developed an algorithm that guides this choice for human patients: the first choice should be CMC, HPMC or SH based eye drops. If the improvement is not as expected after instilling the eye drops 4 times a day for 60 days, the eye drops should be exchanged for a HPG or PEG/Glycerin-based eye drop. If the response is still not as expected or when the condition is severe, or in cases exposure keratopathy or lid malposition, the choice should be to add gels, ointments, or liposome sprays. DOGRU et al. (2013DOGRU, M. et al. Changing trends in the treatment of dry-eye disease. Expert opinion on investigational drugs, v.22, n.12, p.1581-1601, 2013. Available from: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088227>. Accessed: Aug. 30, 2015. doi: 10.1517/13543784.2013.838557.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24088...
) summarized the decision matrix according to the drop components, severity, and type of disease.

It should be noted that in cases of severe disease, choosing a preservative-free eye drop, regardless of lubricant component, should be the highest priority, and is critical to avoid exacerbating the condition (DEWS, 2007).

CONCLUSION:

An important limitation in the literature is that most studies have been single center comparisons between two or three formulations. The literature lacks a broad, randomized, multicenter study that compares a large variety of solutions. Moreover, although there are many studies with experimental animal models, the literature targeting veterinary medicine is limited, and more research focusing on domestic animals is necessary.

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  • 1
    CR-2016-0020.R2
  • ERRATUM

    Artigo "Ocular lubricants: what is the best choice?" publicado em Ahead Of Print em 1 de agosto de 2016 da Ciência Rural, onde se lia:
    "Daniela Lins de Macedo"
    leia-se:
    "Daniela Macedo Lins de Araújo"
    Para a versão correta, acesse: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/cr/2016nahead/1678-4596-cr-0103_8478cr20160020.pdf

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    01 Aug 2016
  • Date of issue
    Nov 2016

History

  • Received
    11 Jan 2016
  • Accepted
    18 Apr 2016
  • Reviewed
    14 July 2016
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