30 participants received lipid-based artificial tears (Recuro) in this study arm. The intervention involved the administration of RECURO EYE DROPS, which contain Sodium carboxymethylcellulose 0.5%. Participants were instructed to instill 1-2 drops in each eye, three times daily (morning, afternoon, and evening) throughout the 6-week trial period.

Assesses dry eye symptom frequency and impact on vision-related activities. Score ranges from 0-100.

Scoring: 0-12 (Normal), 13-22 (Mild dry eye), 23-32 (Moderate dry eye), ≥ 33 (Severe dry eye).

Measures the frequency and severity of dry eye symptoms. Score ranges from 0-100.

Scoring: Higher scores indicate more severe and frequent symptoms

This score quantifies meibomian gland health and lipid secretion based on meibum quality and expressibility. It is derived from the assessment of 5 central glands in the lower eyelid.

Scoring: Each assessed gland is scored from 0-3, resulting in a total Meibum Test Score for each eye ranging from 0-15.

• Meibum Test Score Key (Per Gland):
• 0: Clear meibum, no blockage (Healthy function)
• 1: Cloudy meibum, mild dysfunction
• 2: Thickened meibum, partial blockage
• 3: No meibum expressed, severe obstruction
• Interpretation: Lower total scores indicate healthier meibomian gland function and better meibum quality/expressibility.

Measures tear film stability by observing the time (in seconds) until the first dry spot appears on the cornea after blinking.

Scoring: TBUT <10 seconds is indicative of tear film instability and often associated with dry eye.

Measures tear volume by assessing the length of wetting on a filter paper strip (in millimeters) after 5 minutes, without anesthesia.

Scoring: ≥10 mm (Normal Tear Production),

• 5-9 mm: Mild to Moderate Tear Deficiency (or decreased production), often associated with mild to moderate dry eye
• <5 mm: Severe Tear Deficiency (or significantly decreased production), indicative of severe dry eye