Efficacy of moisture chamber goggles combined with fluorometholone eye drops on visual function and oxidative stress in patients with dry eye disease.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Moisture Chamber Goggles combined with Fluorometholone eye drops on visual function and oxidative stress in patients with dry eye disease.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 80 patients with dry eye disease treated at Ninghai First Hospital from January 2021 to May 2023. Patients were divided into a combination group (n=40, receiving Fluorometholone eye drops and Moisture Chamber Goggles) and a monotherapy group (n=40, receiving Fluorometholone eye drops alone) based on treatment regimens. Outcomes compared between the groups included subjective symptom scores (VAS), tear film stability parameters, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress indicators, and adverse reaction rates before and after treatment.

Results: Post-treatment, the combination group showed significantly longer tear breakup time (BUT) and higher Schirmer's test values compared to the monotherapy group (both P<0.05). Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and metalloproteinase-2 were significantly lower in the combination group (P<0.05). Additionally, the combination group had significantly lower VAS scores, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores, and conjunctival hyperemia grades, as well as higher tear meniscus height and National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) scores (all P<0.05). No significant differences in the incidence of adverse reactions were observed between the two groups (P>0.05).

Conclusion: The combination of Moisture Chamber Goggles and Fluorometholone eye drops significantly improves subjective visual quality, promotes tear secretion, stabilizes the tear film, and reduces inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in patients with dry eye disease, while maintaining a favorable safety profile.