Can Manuka eye drops improve dry eye symptoms after cataract surgery?
Dry eye is a common problem after cataract surgery. Manuka honey eye drops are being studied as a treatment. A 2024 study found that Manuka eye drops improved dry eye symptoms and reduced eye redness more than standard sodium hyaluronate drops in the month after surgery 28.
What the research says
A 2024 prospective controlled study compared Manuka honey eye drops to sodium hyaluronate eye drops in 53 patients after cataract surgery 28. At one month, the Manuka group had a much larger reduction in dry eye symptoms, measured by the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score: a decrease of 27.3 points compared to only 4.3 points in the control group 28. After adjusting for baseline differences, the Manuka group still had significantly lower OSDI scores (adjusted mean difference: -18.7) 28. Conjunctival redness was also significantly lower in the Manuka group at one month 28. However, there was no significant difference in tear film stability (non-invasive tear break-up time) between the groups 28. Another trial in people with meibomian gland dysfunction (a common cause of dry eye) found that Manuka honey eye drops improved symptoms and signs like lid margin redness and corneal staining after 3 weeks 9. These studies suggest Manuka eye drops can help dry eye symptoms after cataract surgery, but more research is needed to confirm long-term benefits.
What to ask your doctor
- Could Manuka honey eye drops be a good option for my dry eye after cataract surgery?
- How do Manuka eye drops compare to other treatments I might use?
- Are there any side effects or interactions I should be aware of with Manuka eye drops?
- How often and for how long should I use Manuka eye drops after surgery?
- Can I use Manuka eye drops along with my current dry eye medications?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about this topic and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.