Evaluating the Efficacy of Topical Insulin for the Restoration of Ocular Surface Interface in Dry Eye Disease

Patients fulfilling the selection criteria will be enrolled from eye OPD of KTH. A written informed consent will be taken after explaining the purpose of study. Data will be collected on a pre-designed structured proforma. Demographic data including age, gender, educational status, socioeconomic status will be noted. Each participant will undergo a complete history assessment and the OSDI score will be calculated after taking extensive history. Ophthalmologic examination, including visual acuity, refraction, slit-lamp examination, corneal staining, schirmer test and TBUT will be performed in each patient. Both eyes will be selected for each secondary outcome measure (TBUT & SCHIRMER TEST). However, only one OSDI score could only be obtained per patient for assessing primary outcome. All the previous medications used for dry eye will be stopped Participants' eyes will be randomized by blocked randomization in a 1:1 ratio to be treated with topical artificial tears (group I) and topical insulin 1U/ml (group II). The patients will be masked for the treatment, but not the principle investigator. Another investigator will prepare the topical insulin according to a written protocol. Participants will be given a white, unlabeled eye dropper containing the same volume of artificial tears or topical insulin for groups I and II respectively. Group I will receive artificial tears (control group) four times daily. Group II will receive topical insulin of 1u/ml four times daily. Follow-up assessments will be conducted at 4, 8 and 12 weeks for each participant to measure changes in TBUT, schirmer test, and OSDI score.