New treatment for dry eyes

New treatment for dry eyes


Dry eye disease inconveniences almost 5 million people the United States. Effects can range from causing mild discomfort to severe eye pain and light sensitivity. In some cases, even eye scarring can occur.

Generally, the disease stems from a person’s inability to produce tears at the right amount, in the correct composition, or at the right time. Although the affliction’s name is self-explanatory, the treatment for it is a little less straightforward. For some people, dry eye can be associated with an autoimmune component, meaning their immune system is mistakenly attacking parts of their own body.

Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a treatment that capitalizes on this in the hope that individuals with more severe instances of the disease can experience some relief. Prior to this treatment, there were only two treatments available for dry eye disease — with limited effectiveness.

This new eye drop treatment uses antibodies to negate the effects of a rogue autoimmune response. Certain immune system cells make neutrophil [NEW-tro-fill] extracellular traps, or NETS, stretch across the surface of the cornea and trap unwanted substances. In the case of dry eye disease, NETS appear to activate autoantibodies that attack the eye’s own proteins, possibly resulting in inflammation.

In preliminary studies, eye drop users experienced a reduction in corneal damage and inflammation, which researchers attribute to the aforementioned pooled antibodies.

For now, the eye drops will require more trials before they become available to consumers. But when they do, there won’t be a dry eye in the room. Figuratively and, perhaps, literally.

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