J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2024 Dec;65(12):771-777. 10.3341/jkos.2024.65.12.771.

Combined Effect of Rebamipide 2% and Hyaluronic Acid 0.15% on Dry Eye after Cataract Surgery

• Seong JY
• Chung SK

• KMID: 2562412
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/jkos.2024.65.12.771

Abstract

Purpose
To assess the combined therapeutic effects of topical rebamipide 2% and hyaluronic acid 0.15% in managing dry eye symptoms following cataract surgery.
Methods
Patients who underwent cataract surgery (phacoemulsification with intraocular lens insertion) were assessed for dry eye one week following the procedure. Dry eye patients were randomly assigned to two groups: a treatment group receiving rebamipide 2% and hyaluronic acid 0.15% eye drops, and a control group who did not receive these treatments. Various dry eye tests, including Schirmer’s test, tear break up time (TBUT), ocular surface staining, tear film osmolarity, tear lipid layer thickness, and the ocular surface disease index, were conducted at one and two months after surgery.
Results
Significant improvements in TBUT (1 month: p < 0.001; 2 months: p < 0.001) and ocular surface staining scores (1 month: p = 0.001; 2 months: p < 0.001) were observed in the treatment group at both one and two months after surgery compared to baseline. During the follow-up period, the treatment group consistently showed significantly longer TBUT (p < 0.001 at both intervals) and lower ocular surface staining scores (1 month: p = 0.007; 2 months: p < 0.001) when compared to the control group.
Conclusions
The combined application of rebamipide and hyaluronic acid eye drops following cataract surgery effectively improved TBUT and ocular surface staining scores.

Keyword

Cataract surgery, Dry eye, Hyaluronic acid, Rebamipide