A prospective controlled study published in Frontiers in Ophthalmology has found that Optimel Manuka+ Dry Eye Drops may offer meaningful symptomatic relief for patients experiencing dry eye disease following cataract surgery.1

The study, authored by García-Bardera et al. and published this year, enrolled 53 patients undergoing cataract surgery, allocating 25 to receive Optimel Manuka+ Dry Eye Drops and 28 to receive sodium hyaluronate. Participants were assessed preoperatively and at day one, week one, and one month post-surgery.

Patients in the Manuka honey group demonstrated a considerably greater reduction in Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores compared with controls (-27.3 ± 20.3 versus -4.3 ± 17.4), with an adjusted mean difference of -18.7 (95% CI: -28.8 to -8.7; p=0.007). A statistically significant reduction in conjunctival redness was also observed (adjusted mean difference: -0.56; p=0.014). No significant between-group difference was found in noninvasive tear break-up time.

The authors note that findings should be interpreted cautiously. The study was non-randomised, which introduces the potential for selection bias, and the small sample size and one-month follow-up period limit the conclusions that can be drawn. Baseline imbalances between the two groups are also acknowledged.

Nonetheless, the results are considered hypothesis-generating, and may support further investigation into adjunct use of Manuka honey formulations in post-operative ocular surface management.

Reference available at mivision.com.au.