#21

Miebo eye drops, (perfluorohexyloctane) sold in other countries brand Evo tears. Perfluorohexyloctane - Wikipedia.

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#22

The mechanism of action is wild…

Perfluorohexyloctane (F6H8) eyedrops have been recently introduced in Europe as a product to treat dry eye disease, based on its ability to reduce tear film instability in Meibomian gland dysfunction and evaporative dry eye disease, although its mechanism of action is still unknown. In the present pilot study, we evaluated the effects of the ocular instillation of a single drop of commercial F6H8 eyedrops in 20 healthy humans (9 women/11 men), measuring: (a) Corneal surface temperature (CST) from infrared video images; (b) tear volume using phenol red threads; (c) blinking frequency; and (d) ocular surface sensations (cold, dryness, pricking, foreign body, burning, itching, gritty, eye fatigue, watering eyes, and light-evoked discomfort sensations; scored using 10 cm Visual Analog Scales), before and 5–60 min after F6H8 or saline treatment. CST decreased and tearing and blinking frequency increased significantly after F6H8 but not after saline solution. When applied unilaterally, CST decreased only in the F6H8-treated eye. No sensations were evoked after F6H8 or saline. The corneal surface temperature reduction produced by topical F6H8 does not evoke conscious ocular sensations but is sufficient to increase the activity of corneal cold thermoreceptors, leading to an increased reflex lacrimation and blinking that may relieve dry eye condition thus reducing ocular discomfort and pain.

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#23

I’m eagerly looking forward to the arrival of people bearing drops from Europe:) Dry eye disease thwarted by cold eye - it is pretty amazing :star_struck:

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#24

I wonder if cool eye compress would achieve something similar…

#25

It seems like a mere bandaid. I am still looking for a supplement or drug that increases tear production. So far, the ones I have found are only mildly effective or have unacceptable side effects.

One such supplement is Forskolin. One common dose-dependent side effect is diarrhea. I am going to try it as a supplement. I can’t find any Forskolin eyedrops.

Forskolin is a natural compound derived from the root of the Indian coleus plant (Coleus forskohlii). It is known for its ability to activate adenylate cyclase, which increases levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in cells. While forskolin has been studied for various health benefits, including weight loss, asthma, and glaucoma, its effects on tear production are less well-documented. However, there is some evidence suggesting that forskolin may have a positive impact on tear production.

Mechanism of Action
Adenylate Cyclase Activation:
cAMP Increase: Forskolin activates adenylate cyclase, leading to an increase in intracellular cAMP levels.
Effect on Secretory Glands: Elevated cAMP levels can enhance the function of various secretory glands, including lacrimal glands, which are responsible for tear production.
Evidence on Tear Production
Animal Studies:
Positive Effects: Some animal studies have shown that forskolin can increase tear production. For example, a study in rabbits demonstrated that topical application of forskolin increased tear secretion.
Mechanism: The proposed mechanism involves the activation of adenylate cyclase and subsequent increase in cAMP, which enhances the secretory function of lacrimal glands.
Human Studies:
Limited Data: There is limited clinical data on the effects of forskolin on tear production in humans. Most of the available evidence comes from animal studies and in vitro experiments.
Potential Benefits: Given the positive results in animal studies, forskolin may have potential benefits for increasing tear production in humans, but more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.
Other Uses Related to Eye Health
Glaucoma:
Intraocular Pressure: Forskolin has been studied for its ability to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. By increasing cAMP levels, it enhances aqueous humor outflow, which can lower intraocular pressure.
Eye Drops: Forskolin eye drops have been explored as a potential treatment for glaucoma, although they are not widely used in clinical practice.

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#26

No, we are looking for something more convenient and long lasting.

#27

I have tried putting wet cold cloth as well as the side of glass of ice water - it feels nice but that’s it. Maybe cyclosporine works but you have to take it forever and many - me for one - can’t afford it.

Maybe Evo Tears even as a bandaid is a possible solution because it’s quite cheap (in the EU not in the US. Oh why is “healthcare” like this!)

#28

@umi

It is about $30 here in Australia. Why not just try the onion method to generate tears?

#29

PDE4 inhibitors will do that. Have you tried galantamine by the way?

Patients with dry eye disease (DED) often exhibit neurological abnormalities and may even suffer from neuropathic pain and pain-related anxiety or depression. However, addressing nerve abnormalities in DED remains a formidable challenge, as current therapies fail to halt disease progression. Our study found that activating α-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), a pivotal regulator in the anti-inflammatory pathway connecting the nervous and immune systems, effectively restores corneal epithelium integrity and enhances nerve sensitivity in DED, pointing to its promising therapeutic potential. Furthermore, we have revealed that α7nAChR stimulates genes involved in immune-mediated inflammatory progression and neuroregulation, inhibits the expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1), reinstates corneal nerve density, and alleviates anxiety-like behaviors associated with severe DED by downregulating the proportion of CD86+ M1 macrophages (pro-inflammatory phenotypes). In summary, our findings underscore the activation of α7nAChR as a pioneering therapeutic approach for preserving corneal nerves balance and controlling inflammation in DED.

https://www.authorea.com/users/810491/articles/1211970/master/file/data/Manuscript_British%20Journal%20of%20Pharmacology/Manuscript_British%20Journal%20of%20Pharmacology.docx

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