PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5% in alleviating end-of-day dryness and discomfort in symptomatic contact lens (CL) wearers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was an open-label study in symptomatic CL wearers with ratings of ≥40 for end-of-day dryness on a visual analog scale (VAS; 0–100 scale; 100 worst). Participants wore their habitual CLs and instilled lifitegrast twice daily for 12 weeks with lenses removed. The performance of lifitegrast was assessed by comparing VAS 0–100 ratings (100=worst) at 2, 6 and 12 weeks for end-of-day dryness and discomfort and Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire-8 (CEQ-8) scores to baseline levels. Tear samples were collected at all visits to measure 10 different tear cytokines.

RESULTS: Forty participants (33F, mean age 30.8±12.1 years, 65% daily disposable CL users) completed the study. There were no serious adverse events. Median (range) visual analog scale ratings for end-of-day dryness (Baseline: 76 (19–99); 2-weeks: 43 (0–95); 6-weeks: 26 (0–94); 12-weeks: 15 (0–98)) and discomfort (Baseline: 70 (10–97); 2-weeks: 45 (0–95); 6-weeks: 25 (0–84); 12-weeks 11 (0–96)) both significantly improved over time (all p<0.01). at baseline 100 of participants rated dryness 40 which dropped to 17 at 12 weeks. baseline cldeq-8 scores of 22 1231 had significantly decreased to 11 126 at 12 weeks. comfortable cl wear time increased significantly from 62 hours at baseline to 93 hours at 6 and 12 weeks all p><0.01). cytokine levels did not change over time.>

CONCLUSION: Lifitegrast significantly improved end-of-day dryness, end-of-day discomfort, CLDEQ-8 scores and comfortable CL wear time within 2 weeks of use.