[A comparative study of 0.15% sodium hyaluronate versus polyvinyl alcohol in the treatment of dry eyes].

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of two artificial tears for the treatment of dry eyes: 0.15% sodium hyaluronate and polyvinyl alcohol.

Methods: The study included 60 dry eyes in 30 patients. Fifteen of the patients were treated with 0.15% sodium hyaluronate and 15 with polyvinyl alcohol. Five drops a day for one month was given in both groups. Visual acuity, Schirmer's test, tear clearance, dry eye symptoms questionnaire, fluorescein and rose bengal staining, corneal sensibility, bulbar hyperemia, tear detritus, meibomian gland plug, palpebral erythema and edema before and after treatment were evaluated.

Results: Symptoms as judged by the dry eye questionnaire, as well as both fluorescein and rose bengal staining, were significantly improved by 0.15% sodium hyaluronate. The polyvinyl alcohol treated patients did not show a significant improvement in any parameter.

Conclusion: Sodium hyaluronate was more effective than polyvinyl alcohol in the treatment of patients with dry eyes (Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol 2005; 80: 387-394).