In the previous article, it was mentioned that dry eye syndrome occurs when tear production decreases which cause the eyes to become dry. In normal condition, tears usually contain an enzyme called DNase, which is responsible for cleaning the cornea of the eye. But in people with dry eye, this enzyme can only be found in small amounts.
In some cases, dry eyes occur when there is a buildup of white blood cells (neutrophils) on the surface of the eye. Neutrophils can release DNA that will form tissue in the cornea which leads to inflammation. Normally, DNase will clear the tissue. However, due to the insufficient amount of DNase enzyme, this cannot be done and lead to dry eyes.
To overcome this, researchers from the University of Illinois made eye drops that contain the biosynthesis of DNase enzymes. In their study, the researchers compared 47 dry eye patients, some of whom were asked to use eye drops for eight weeks. These results were compared with those who were only given a placebo as a control.
As a result, the researchers found that those who used DNase eye drops showed a significant reduction in eye damage. The results also show that DNase eye drops can reduce the amount of DNA tissue and other substances on the surface of the eye. Given that DNase has been approved for use by the FDA to treat cystic fibrosis, the researchers hope that the DNase eye drops will also be approved for use.
Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Image Google Search
Source(s):
- Mun, C., Gulati, S., Tibrewal, S., et all (2019). A Phase I / II Placebo-Controlled Randomized Pilot Clinical Trial of Recombinant Deoxyribonuclease (DNase) Eye Drops in Patients With Dry Eye Disease. Translational Vision Science & Technology, DOI: 10.1167 / tvst.8.3.10.
- Science Daily - New treatment for severe dry eye disease promising in early clinical trials (2019). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190507121435.htm, May 8, 2019.