Subject: A retrospective, cross-sectional, observational survey study to analyse the role of
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Hypromellose) ophthalmic gel in management of dry eye disease
Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a disorder of the preocular tear film that results in damage to the
ocular surface and is associated with symptoms of ocular discomfort. DES is also called
keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), keratitis sicca, sicca syndrome, xerophthalmia, dry eye
disease (DED), ocular surface disease (OSD), or dysfunctional tear syndrome (DTS), or simply
dry eyes.1,2 Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a Latin word and its literal translation is “dryness of
the cornea and conjunctiva.” It may be helpful to know that “sicca” is part of the English
word “desiccate.” The dry eye syndrome in which the eyes do not produce enough tears is
also known as “Sjogren’s syndrome”.1,3
Dry eye disease is characterized by instability of the tear film that can be due to insufficient
amount of tear production or due to poor quality of tear film, which results in increased
evaporation of the tears. Dry eye therefore can mainly be divided into two groups, namely,
(1)aqueous production deficient dry eye disease;
(2)evaporative dry eye disease1
A key principle for the management of dry eye disease is augmentation of the tear film
through the topical administration of artificial tear substitutes. These products enhance tear
stability thus reducing loss by evaporation; this, in turn, helps to retain moisture in the eye
and relieve the chronic ocular inflammation associated with dry eyes. Artificial tear
substitutes help to reduce patient discomfort, improve quality of life and reduce the risk of
damage to the corneal epithelium.4
Artificial tear drops are most commonly associated with the management of dry eye disease
(DED). Artificial tears are typically included in first-line management options for dry eye, as
they are easy to use, accessible in a wide range of formulations, and have a low risk-profile.5
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), also known as hypromellose, is a semisynthetic
polymer. It is less viscous than CMC due to its molecular size but is known to have emollient
properties.6
There is limited Indian evidence on the role of Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
(Hypromellose) ophthalmic gel in management of dry eye disease, hence this observational
survey study aims to analyse the role of Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Hypromellose)
ophthalmic gel in management of dry eye disease
We invite you to participate in this data collection activity. All you need to do is to report on
a standard form your experience with Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Hypromellose)
ophthalmic gel in management of dry eye disease, in the normal course of your practice. If
you agree to participate, you will need to fill data collection forms (which we call DCF).
We trust you and we are partners in promoting safe and effective drug therapy. In that spirit
we hope you will consent to participate in this study. If you do, please sign and return the
enclosed reply along with your visiting card for accuracy of records.
Yours truly,
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
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