Scientists from the Institute for the Structure of Matter (Madrid) have figured out how to bring artificial tears closer to the natural composition to relieve dry eye syndrome. Research published in the journal physics of fluids.
The scientists collected tears from healthy people and tested 10 different formulations of artificial tears. Their analysis led to an understanding of how different substance concentrations affect viscosity, flexibility and stability. They also evaluated the behavior of liquids at the micron level under conditions such as flashing.
The detailed information scientists have about the composition and behavior of tears will improve the treatment of dry eye syndrome. Compared to artificial tears or other eye drops, human tears are a much more complex liquid with a wide range of components, including lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, water and salts. It is this complex blend that gives tears their ideal thickness and eye-hydrating power that is difficult to replicate with less ingredients.
The authors applied microrheology techniques to track micron-sized particles in a liquid. In particular, one of the methods (dynamic light scattering) was based on measuring the reflection of light from particles in a liquid. The scientists plan to continue to study more complex compositions of artificial tears and expand their work to the study of human tears with various pathologies.
Dry eye syndrome is a chronic disease accompanied by a change in the composition of the lacrimal fluid and a violation of the hydration of the eye surface. Symptoms include itching and eye irritation.
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