Effect of Korean Red Ginseng supplementation on dry eye syndrome in glaucoma patients e A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Background: Many patients with glaucoma have difficulty using antiglaucoma eye drops because of dryeye symptom. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we evaluated theeffect of Korean Red Ginseng on dry eye syndrome in patients with glaucoma treated with antiglaucomaeye drops. Methods: Forty-nine participants were allocated to the Korean Red Ginseng (3 g/day; n ¼ 24) or placebo(n ¼ 25) groups for 8 weeks. Tear film stability, fluorescein corneal staining, conjunctival hyperemia, tearproduction, grade of meibomian gland dysfunction, and dry eye questionnaire (Ocular Surface DiseaseIndex) were evaluated at baseline and on completion of the treatment. Results: Almost all patients displayed dry eye symptoms and signs at baseline. After the 8-week intervention,Korean Red Ginseng supplementation significantly improved the tear film stability and totalOcular Surface Disease Index score, as compared to placebo (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Korean Red Ginseng supplementation may provide an additional treatment option for dryeye and patients with glaucoma using antiglaucoma eye drops. KCI Citation Count: 10