Effects of Carboxymethylcellulose Artificial Tears on the Eye Microbiome

Effects of Carboxymethylcellulose Artificial Tears on the Eye Microbiome: a Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Study

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), a common component in artificial tears, has been shown to modify the gut microbiome. The study is examining its effects on the eye microbiome, which may have implications on ocular disease and artificial tear choice. The study will administer artificial tears containing CMC to the treatment group and artificial tears without CMC to the control group. Surveys and conjunctival swabs will be collected before and after treatment for bacterial genome sequencing and analyzed by R statistical packages.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults above age 18 of either sex who can self-administer artificial tears and return for follow-up at the UF Oaks Eye Clinic.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with active eye infections or have prosthetic eyes.
• Are immunocompromised, or are diagnosed with autoimmune diseases or malignant neoplasms about the eye.
• Individuals who take immunomodulatory therapy, steroids, antibiotics, medicated eyedrops, or are already using CMC eyedrops within 1 week of the study will also be excluded.