Changes in Tear Osmolarity Over Time With Sustained Use of TheraTears

Evaluation of Tear Osmolarity Over Time With Sustained Use of TheraTears Lubricating Drops

The objective of the study is to see if there is a change in tear osmolarity over time when moderate to severe dry eye subjects are treated with TheraTears® lubricating drops.

The hypothesis is that the measured tear osmolarity from study participants decrease with sustained use of a over-the-counter artificial tears, TheraTears® lubricating drops, over an eight week period. Participant's dry eye symptoms would also improve with sustained use of TheraTears® lubricating drops.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Is at least 21 years of age and has full legal capacity to volunteer;
2. Has read and signed the information consent letter;
3. Is willing and able to follow instructions and maintain the appointment schedule;
4. Is diagnosed with dry eye syndrome (in at least one eye), indicated by current ocular examination, prior history (self-reported history of dry eye is acceptable) and current use of treatments for dry eye;
5. Has a minimum osmolarity reading of 316 mosm/kg at the baseline visit in at least one eye.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Has taken part in another research study within the last 30 days;
2. Planned contact lens wear during the course of the study;
3. Staff at the investigational site or family member of site staff or family member of currently enrolled participant;
4. Any subject that violates the washout period by using eye drops during the 72hrs washout period;
5. Has any known ocular disease including active ocular infection, inflammation or allergy, especially Salzmann's nodular degeneration, symptomatic conjunctivochalasis, and fixation disparity syndrome;
6. Used Restasis (or similar topical medication) within the last 6 months;
7. Has a systemic condition that in the opinion of the investigator may affect the dry eye status of the subject, especially those newly diagnosed, newly prescribed and/or unstable;
8. Is pregnant, lactating or planning a pregnancy at the time of enrolment (verbal confirmation necessary);
9. Use of medications such as: Systemic Antihistamine (e.g., Allegra®, Benadryl®, Claritin®, Dimetapp®, Unisom®, Zyrtec®, etc.), Isotretinoin (e.g., Accutane®, Roaccutane®, Amnesteem®, Claravis®, Isotroin®, Sotret®) or similar medications;
10. Has known sensitivity to the diagnostic pharmaceuticals to be used in the study;
11. Has undergone ocular surgery(LASIK, Cataract, etc)within the last year.