Researchers in South Korea found botulinum toxin A (BTA) injection into the medial part of the eyelid improved dry eye disease (DED) symptoms, the amount of tear retention and tear osmolarity. 

Conducted by researchers at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital and Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic, the retrospective observational study included 56 eyes of 28 patients with intractable DED. Each patient received 2.5 units of BTA in the medial part of the lower eyelids. Significant improvements in ocular surface disease index, tear osmolarity and tear meniscus height were observed at one month post-treatment. No significant differences were found in tear-film breakup time or Schirmer test results before or after BTA injection. 

“Based on the objective parameters of the tear condition, the study supports the use of BTA as a potential treatment option for patients with intractable DED,” said researchers. 

The study was published in Medicina.