Effectiveness of Virgin Coconut Oil in Treating Dry Eyes
Authors: Haliza Abdul Mutalib, Bashirah Ishak, Mohd Norhafizun bin Mohd Saman, Ahmad Rohi Ghazali, Elly Liyana Zainodin.
ABSTRACT
Background
There are a few dry eye remedies available in the market. Currently, artificial tears and lubricants are still the most common management for dry eyes.
Objective
We proposed a new method in managing dry eyes.
Methods
A pre-soaked contact lens in virgin coconut oil (VCOCL) is being used as a vehicle to deliver virgin coconut oil (VCO) in dry eyes. VCOCL was prepared in sterilised conditions where daily soft hydrogel contact lenses were immersed in raw VCO. The efficacy of VCOCL in delivering the VCO to eyes was assessed by measuring the Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) values, corneal staining of the anterior eye, Schirmer Test values and the measurement of residual VCO volume in tears at baseline and at 15 minutes after insertion on subjects with dry eyes. Pre- and post-data were used to analyse all the measurable variables.
Results
This study showed a significant difference in the TBUT, corneal staining, and residual VCO volume for both eyes (p<0.05). However, there were no changes in the Schirmer Test value (p>0.05). VCOCL was proven to improve tear quality in dry eye subjects and was able to maintain its presence in the eye even after 15 minutes.
Conclusion
This study suggests a new method for dry eye management.
Keywords: Contact Lens, VCO, Therapeutic, Dry Eye, Tearfilm
Citations: IeJSME 2024 Vol 18 (2): 25-34
