Purpose: To show that the use of povidone 2% preservative-free lubricating eyedrops reduces computer visual syndrome in contact lens wearers and to identify the best eyedrop instillation protocols.
Methods: The test product was FILMABAK a CE-marked nonpreserved lubricant, povidone 2% delivered by the ABAK system. Three dispensing modalities were evaluated during contact lens wear and computer use: hourly instillation, symptom-related instillation, and patient's own instillation.
Results: During sustained computer use, a decrease in symptoms associated with the use of povidone 2% was statistically and clinically significant. However, the symptoms were not fully eliminated by the use of the test eyedrop. The three instillation routines achieved similar beneficial effects. No significant changes in ocular tissue response were observed, and the staining recorded after sustained computer use remained low. The use of povidone 2% preservative-free lubricating eyedrops under any of the three instillation modalities tested was also associated with a slight improvement in dynamic visual acuity.
Conclusions: The use of povidone 2% preservative-free eyedrops was associated with an improvement in symptoms during sustained computer use. Any of the three instillation modalities decreased symptoms of ocular tiredness, dryness, and difficulty of focus; maintained an unchanged corneal surface; and improved dynamic visual acuity. Therefore, the most patient-friendly modality (patient's own instillation modality from symptom onset) could be recommended to contact lens wearers with computer visual syndrome.