SOSTA

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a multifactorial disease that is growing in incidence, especially in industrialized countries. It manifests as inflammation and damage to the ocular surface caused by a loss of tear film homeostasis. Common symptoms include burning, sandy feeling, photophobia, difficulty opening the eyelids, and, in severe cases, pain and blurred vision. The main causes are decreased tear production or increased evaporation, which leads to an increase in tear film osmolarity and a decrease in calyciform cell density and corneal glycogen.

Current therapies aim to reduce symptoms by supplementing tear production and reducing inflammation. Artificial tears, which contain substances such as carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium hyaluronate, are used to relieve discomfort but do not cure the condition, requiring continuous applications. Polyphenols, natural compounds from plants, show anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities and could be useful in treating SOS. However, results from locoregional use of polyphenols have been limited and short-lived, probably due to the specificity of each compound.

To overcome these limitations, the project proposal calls for the use of synergistic blends of polyphenols, such as curcumin and resveratrol, together with olive-derived polyphenols, encapsulated in micro-nanostructured platforms that by adhering to the ocular surface epithelium will allow a prolongation of the residence time of the bioactive molecule at the site of administration, restoring tear film homeostasis. The establishment of industry-research collaborations will enable the development of a cost-effective competitive product for the treatment of SOS.