A Clinical Evaluation of Lifitegrast Ophthalmic Solution 5% in Symptomatic Contact Lens Wearers

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 (12-31) had significantly decreased to 11 (1-26) at 12 weeks. Comfortable CL wear time increased significantly from 6±2 hours at baseline to 9±3 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.