PMCF Study to Evaluate Performance and Safety of "HPMC-based Eyedrops" Used to Relieve Dry Eye Symptoms

Overview

Dry eye disease (DED), also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a common ocular condition characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film and inflammation of the ocular surface. Over the counter (OTC) artificial tears are typically the first line of dry eye treatment; they are meant to supplement the tears that cover the eye's surface. OTC products mimic the different layers of the tear film in order to maintain ocular hydration. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC or hypromellose) is a synthetic modification of the natural polymer, cellulose. It has been widely used in in ophthalmologic formulations such as eye drops and gels due to its solubility in water, biocompatibility, transparency and rheological properties. Eye drops containing HPMC are conventionally used to treat tear film disturbances including dry eye symptoms. For these reasons, an interventional, non-comparative, single-center Post Marketing Clinical Follow-up (PMCF) study was planned to evaluate the performance and safety of "Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-based eyedrops" used as intended to relieve dry eye symptoms. The objectives of the PMCF study are confirmation of the performance, collection of additional safety data regarding expected adverse events and detection of potential unexpected adverse events associated with use of "HPMC-based eyedrops" according to the Instructions for Use (IFU). "HPMC-based eyedrops" medical devices are ophthalmic solutions containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as key ingredient, a polymer able to relief eye discomfort thanks to its moisturizing, lubricating and muco-mimetic properties. HPMC can stabilize the tear film on the ocular surface by creating a protective, transparent and viscoelastic shield. Each subject, after signing the Informed Consent Form (ICF), will enter the screening and baseline phase (the 2 visits will coincide) during which baseline procedures will be completed. At baseline visit (V0), only one of the below reported "HPMC-based eyedrops" products will be administered to the enrolled subject. The patient will perform 2 on-site visits: V0 and V2/EOS. To monitor the safety, 1 phone contact is planned (V1) to check for potential adverse events and concomitant medications intake.