Phase 4
Completed N=80
Effects of Carboxymethylcellulose Artificial Tears on the Eye Microbiome
Dry Eye Syndromes
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05292755 ↗
Enrolled (actual)
80
Serious AEs
0.0%
Results posted
Apr 2023
Primary outcomePrimary: Species Richness — 11.0; 11.1 units on a scale — p=0.232
◆ Published Evidence
Emerging
8citations · ~3 / year
Effects of Carboxymethylcellulose Artificial Tears on Ocular Surface Microbiome Diversity and Composition, A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Summary
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.
Linked Publications
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Effects of Carboxymethylcellulose Artificial Tears on Ocular Surface Microbiome Diversity and Composition, A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Outcome Measures
| Outcome | Result | p-value |
|---|---|---|
| PRIMARY Species Richness |
11.0; 11.1 | 0.232 |
| PRIMARY Species Diversity |
3.9; 4.1 | 0.224 |
| PRIMARY Beta Diversity (Unweighted UniFrac) |
0.482; 0.529 | 0.227 |
| PRIMARY Beta Diversity (Weighted UniFrac) |
0.584; 0.593 | — |
| SECONDARY Ocular Surface Disease Index Score |
-1; -2 | — |
| SECONDARY Artificial Tear Use |
2.86; 2.16 | — |
Eligibility Criteria
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.
Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05292755) and the linked publication. Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication. Informational only — not medical advice.