Propylene Glycol and Hydroxypropyl Guar Nanoemulsion - Safe and Effective Lubricant Eye Drops in the Management of Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease (DED) is a chronic condition of the ocular surface characterized by a loss of the tear film homeostasis and accompanied by symptoms such as eye discomfort and visual disturbances. DED is classified as aqueous deficient dry eye (ADDE), evaporative dry eye (EDE), and mixed dry eye etiologies. The mainstay treatment in the management of DED is artificial tear drops or lubricant eye drops that replenish the aqueous and/or lipid layer of the tear film. These are available as both lipid-based and non-lipid-based formulations, with/without preservatives. Lipid-based lubricant eye drops can stabilize the tear film lipid layer, reduce tear evaporation, and improve signs of EDE. In this review, we present the formulation components, mechanism of action, and summary of preclinical and clinical evidence on a lipid-based formulation – propylene glycol-hydroxypropyl guar (PG-HPG) nanoemulsion lubricant eye drops (Systane(TM) Complete). These eye drops consist of the demulcent (lubricant), PG (0.6%). HPG forms a soft, thin, cross-linked in situ gel matrix with borate ions, when exposed to the tear film, which prolongs lubricant retention and provides ocular surface protection. Dimyristoyl phosphatidyl glycerol, an anionic phospholipid, helps in replenishing the lipid layer of the tear film. Moreover, the nanoemulsion formulation serves as a depot for delivery of dimyristoyl phosphatidyl glycerol to enhance ocular surface coverage. Preclinical and clinical evidence demonstrate that PG-HPG nanoemulsion lubricant eye drops are safe and effective in providing temporary relief of symptoms of DED, regardless of its subtypes. Specifically, it provides sustained reduction in dry eye symptoms, improves tear film stability/lipid layer grade, and improves ocular surface characteristics.