Dry eye occurs either when your eyes don’t make enough tears or the quality of the tears is poor. It can occur in up to 30% of the population but is more common in females, people over 40 years of age, computer users, contact lens wearers and individuals who have had eye surgery.  Additionally, some medications have been shown to cause dry eye.

The most common symptoms of dry eye are burning, itching, tearing or foreign body sensation.  These can make contact lens wear more difficult. Common treatments range from over-the-counter rewetting drops to prescription medications. Dry eye research is aimed at understanding the underlying mechanisms, as well as developing long-term, effective treatments for this highly prevalent condition.

For more information, contact the Clinical Vision Research Center.

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OPUS-3 Dry Eye Study
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OPUS-3 Clinical Research Study for Adults with Dry Eye

This study is now closed to enrollment.

Why we are doing this study:

We are doing a study on the symptoms and signs of dry eye. We will compare patients using an investigational drug to those using a placebo eye drop (like over the counter rewetting drops). Participants will be assigned by chance to use either the study drug or the placebo drops.

Who can be in the study:

You may be eligible to participate in the OPUS-3 study if you:

  • Are at least 18 years old
  • Have dry eye symptoms in both eyes
  • Do not have other eye conditions such as increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma), disease of the glands of the eye, or damage to the eye due to diabetes or other diseases
  • Further screening information will be asked in person or over the phone

What the study involves:

The study will last approximately 14 weeks. During the study, you will be asked to:

  • Come for a minimum of five study visits at the Clinical Vision Research Center at SUNY Optometry
  • Have your eye health checked and answer questions about your symptoms
  • Use the study eye drops as instructed by the study doctor
  • Avoid using any other eye drops and wearing contact lenses until the study doctor says it is okay to do so

Will you directly benefit from the study?

You may or may not directly benefit if you are in the study. The information learned from the study may help improve treatment options for people with dry eye in the future. You will receive $100 per study visit for a maximum total of $500.

Principal Investigator: Kathryn Richdale, OD PhD
For more information, contact the Clinical Vision Research Center at clinicresearch@sunyopt.edu or (212) 938-4052.