Dry EyeNCT05906381
Dry Eye Symptom Mitigation by Oral Intake of Probiotics
A study testing Probiotics in people with Dry Eye, run by Chung Shan Medical University at 1 site in Taiwan.
Trial summary
This study investigates whether the oral intake of a probiotics capsule product may relieve dry eye symptoms. Participants will be aged between 20 - 65 years of age, with confirmed diagnosis of dry eye status. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Dry Eye
- What is being tested?
- Probiotics
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 88 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTaiwan
- Study dates
- 13 May 2023to 31 Dec 2023
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- aged between 20 and 65 years
- with Schirmer's test results less than 10 mm or Ocular Surface Disease Index more than 25
Who cannot join
- evident ocular diseases such as cornea disease, cataract, vitreous degeneration, glaucoma, and retinopathy.
- diabetes
- hypertension
- or other chronic diseases or belong to vulnerable groups(pregnancy woman, prisoner, ethical minorities, economic or educationally disadvantaged subjects, disabled individuals such as those at terminal stage of tumorigenesis, blindness, terminal ill individuals)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: A Clinical Trial of Dry Eye Symptom Mitigation by Oral Intake of Probiotics
This study investigates whether the oral intake of a probiotics capsule product may relieve dry eye symptoms. Participants will be aged between 20 - 65 years of age, with confirmed diagnosis of dry eye status. The participants will be assessed for several parameters and asked to take 1 probiotics capsule per day for 35 days. The parameters will include ocular surface health, tear volume, tear quality, intraocular pressure, tear osmolarity and serum biochemical test. After the 35 days are completed, the participants will be assessed again for the same parameters.
Read the detailed description
This investigation is a randomized, double-blind study. Subjects with confirmed diagnosis of dry eye are randomly assigned to control group or treatment group, and asked to orally intake 1 capsule of either placebo or probiotics per day. All participants will be assessed for parameters, including intraocular pressure, ocular surface health, tear film breakup time (TBUT), tear volume (Schirmer's test), tear osmolarity, ocular surface impression cytology, ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and serum biochemical tests for quantification of hyaluronic acid, sialic acid, glutathione contents.The assessments are conducted at day1 for baseline and after the 35-day oral intake. The parameters are used to compare and evaluate whether the probiotics can relieve dry eye symptoms.
- Conditions
- Dry Eye
- Being tested
- Probiotics, Placebo
- Keywords
- probiotics, dry eye, eye sore, eye strain
- Medical subject headings
- Dry Eye Syndromes, Asthenopia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
ProbioticsDietary supplement
A specific probiotics capsule product, containing Streptococcus thermophilus will be given to participants for oral intake for 35 days.
PlaceboDietary supplement
A specific capsule product, containing microcrystalline cellulose will be given to participants for oral intake for 35 days.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Control group | Placebo comparator | Subjects will take a capsule of containing microcrystalline cellulose per day for 35 days. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Placebo |
| Treatment group | Experimental | Subjects will take a capsule of containing Streptococcus thermophilus per day for 35 days. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Probiotics |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change of Schirmer's Test Value from Baseline
The Schirmer's Test is used to assess tear secretion volume. The amounts of tears are measured in total millimeters after 5 minutes has elapsed. Lower measurement amount is regarded as a parameter of presence of dry eye disease.
Measured: on baseline and day36
Change of Tear Film Breakup Time from Baseline
Tear Break-Up Time is a measurement to reflect tear quality and is expressed in seconds. The shorter the Tear Break-Up Time, the poorer the tear film stability and quality. Lower measurement outcome (less than 10 seconds) is regarded as a parameter of presence of dry eye disease.
Measured: on baseline and day36
Ocular Surface Index Change from Baseline
Ocular Surface Index is assessed with fluorescein staining to reflect ocular surface damages. The staining scale ranges from 0 to 3, from milder to severe status, where grade 0 shows no staining, and grade 3 shows extensive staining.
Measured: on baseline and day36
Tear Osmolality Change from Baseline
Tear osmolality is used as a parameter of dry eye status.
Measured: on baseline and day36
Serum Biochemical Test
To determine the effects of oral probiotics intake on the contents of hyaluronic acid, sialic acid, and glutathione in the serum.
Measured: on baseline and day36
Secondary outcomes (3)
Ocular Surface Impression Cytology Change from Baseline
To assess the status of conjunctival goblet cells and epithelium.
Measured: on baseline and day36
Ocular Surface Disease Index Score Change from Baseline
A questionnaire is used to assess the health status on ocular surface, with higher scores indicating more severe status.
Measured: on baseline and day36
Intraocular Pressure Change from Baseline
To determine the effects of intervention on intraocular pressure.
Measured: on baseline and day36
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Jun 2023
- Study start13 May 2023
- Primary completion31 Aug 2023
- Study completion31 Dec 2023
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (7)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Dry EyeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider
- Enrolment
- 88 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Chung Shan Medical University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Nutrarex Biotech Co., Ltd.
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- David Pei-Cheng Lin, Principal investigator, Chung Shan Medical University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05906381
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 202300014B0
- Status last verified
- Jun 2023
- First submitted
- 19 May 2023
- Last updated
- 26 Sep 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Herrero-Vanrell R, Peral A. [International Dry Eye Workshop (DEWS). Update of the disease]. Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol. 2007 Dec;82(12):733-4. doi: 10.4321/s0365-66912007001200002. No abstract available. Spanish.
PubMed 18040913Fox RI, Chan R, Michelson JB, Belmont JB, Michelson PE. Beneficial effect of artificial tears made with autologous serum in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Arthritis Rheum. 1984 Apr;27(4):459-61. doi: 10.1002/art.1780270415. No abstract available.
PubMed 6712760Wilson WS, Duncan AJ, Jay JL. Effect of benzalkonium chloride on the stability of the precorneal tear film in rabbit and man. Br J Ophthalmol. 1975 Nov;59(11):667-9. doi: 10.1136/bjo.59.11.667.
PubMed 1203224Brito-Zeron P, Ramos-Casals M; EULAR-SS task force group. Advances in the understanding and treatment of systemic complications in Sjogren's syndrome. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2014 Sep;26(5):520-7. doi: 10.1097/BOR.0000000000000096.
PubMed 25050925Sullivan DA, Krenzer KL, Sullivan BD, Tolls DB, Toda I, Dana MR. Does androgen insufficiency cause lacrimal gland inflammation and aqueous tear deficiency? Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1999 May;40(6):1261-5.
PubMed 10235562Schrader S, Mircheff AK, Geerling G. Animal models of dry eye. Dev Ophthalmol. 2008;41:298-312. doi: 10.1159/000131097.
PubMed 18453777Chisari G, Chisari EM, Francaviglia A, Chisari CG. The mixture of bifidobacterium associated with fructo-oligosaccharides reduces the damage of the ocular surface. Clin Ter. 2017 May-Jun;168(3):e181-e185. doi: 10.7417/T.2017.2002.
PubMed 28612893
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 26 Sep 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Clinical Trial of Dry Eye Symptom Mitigation by Oral Intake of Probiotics
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05906381
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 202300014B0
- Conditions
- Dry Eye
- Keywords
- probiotics, dry eye, eye sore, eye strain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 88 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Chung Shan Medical UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Nutrarex Biotech Co., Ltd.
- Study start
- 13 May 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Aug 2023 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2023 (actual)
- First posted
- 15 Jun 2023 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study investigates whether the oral intake of a probiotics capsule product may relieve dry eye symptoms. Participants will be aged between 20 - 65 years of age, with confirmed diagnosis of dry eye status. The participants will be assessed for several parameters and asked to take 1 probiotics capsule per day for 35 days. The parameters will include ocular surface health, tear volume, tear quality, intraocular pressure, tear osmolarity and serum biochemical test. After the 35 days are completed, the participants will be assessed again for the same parameters.
Detailed description
This investigation is a randomized, double-blind study. Subjects with confirmed diagnosis of dry eye are randomly assigned to control group or treatment group, and asked to orally intake 1 capsule of either placebo or probiotics per day. All participants will be assessed for parameters, including intraocular pressure, ocular surface health, tear film breakup time (TBUT), tear volume (Schirmer's test), tear osmolarity, ocular surface impression cytology, ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and serum biochemical tests for quantification of hyaluronic acid, sialic acid, glutathione contents.The assessments are conducted at day1 for baseline and after the 35-day oral intake. The parameters are used to compare and evaluate whether the probiotics can relieve dry eye symptoms.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, care provider)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Control group | Placebo comparator | Dietary Supplement: PlaceboSubjects will take a capsule of containing microcrystalline cellulose per day for 35 days. |
| Treatment group | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: ProbioticsSubjects will take a capsule of containing Streptococcus thermophilus per day for 35 days. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- aged between 20 and 65 years
- with Schirmer's test results less than 10 mm or Ocular Surface Disease Index more than 25
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- evident ocular diseases such as cornea disease, cataract, vitreous degeneration, glaucoma, and retinopathy.
- diabetes
- hypertension
- or other chronic diseases or belong to vulnerable groups(pregnancy woman, prisoner, ethical minorities, economic or educationally disadvantaged subjects, disabled individuals such as those at terminal stage of tumorigenesis, blindness, terminal ill individuals)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| ProbioticsA specific probiotics capsule product, containing Streptococcus thermophilus will be given to participants for oral intake for 35 days. | Dietary supplement | Treatment group |
| PlaceboA specific capsule product, containing microcrystalline cellulose will be given to participants for oral intake for 35 days. | Dietary supplement | Control group |
Primary outcome
Change of Schirmer's Test Value from Baseline
Time frame: on baseline and day36
The Schirmer's Test is used to assess tear secretion volume. The amounts of tears are measured in total millimeters after 5 minutes has elapsed. Lower measurement amount is regarded as a parameter of presence of dry eye disease.
Change of Tear Film Breakup Time from Baseline
Time frame: on baseline and day36
Tear Break-Up Time is a measurement to reflect tear quality and is expressed in seconds. The shorter the Tear Break-Up Time, the poorer the tear film stability and quality. Lower measurement outcome (less than 10 seconds) is regarded as a parameter of presence of dry eye disease.
Ocular Surface Index Change from Baseline
Time frame: on baseline and day36
Ocular Surface Index is assessed with fluorescein staining to reflect ocular surface damages. The staining scale ranges from 0 to 3, from milder to severe status, where grade 0 shows no staining, and grade 3 shows extensive staining.
Tear Osmolality Change from Baseline
Time frame: on baseline and day36
Tear osmolality is used as a parameter of dry eye status.
Serum Biochemical Test
Time frame: on baseline and day36
To determine the effects of oral probiotics intake on the contents of hyaluronic acid, sialic acid, and glutathione in the serum.
3 secondary outcomes
Ocular Surface Impression Cytology Change from Baseline
Time frame: on baseline and day36
Ocular Surface Disease Index Score Change from Baseline
Time frame: on baseline and day36
Intraocular Pressure Change from Baseline
Time frame: on baseline and day36
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 26 Sep 2025.
- Background: PubMed 18040913Herrero-Vanrell R, Peral A. [International Dry Eye Workshop (DEWS). Update of the disease]. Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol. 2007 Dec;82(12):733-4. doi: 10.4321/s0365-66912007001200002. No abstract available. Spanish.
- Background: PubMed 6712760Fox RI, Chan R, Michelson JB, Belmont JB, Michelson PE. Beneficial effect of artificial tears made with autologous serum in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Arthritis Rheum. 1984 Apr;27(4):459-61. doi: 10.1002/art.1780270415. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 1203224Wilson WS, Duncan AJ, Jay JL. Effect of benzalkonium chloride on the stability of the precorneal tear film in rabbit and man. Br J Ophthalmol. 1975 Nov;59(11):667-9. doi: 10.1136/bjo.59.11.667.
- Background: PubMed 25050925Brito-Zeron P, Ramos-Casals M; EULAR-SS task force group. Advances in the understanding and treatment of systemic complications in Sjogren's syndrome. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2014 Sep;26(5):520-7. doi: 10.1097/BOR.0000000000000096.
- Background: PubMed 10235562Sullivan DA, Krenzer KL, Sullivan BD, Tolls DB, Toda I, Dana MR. Does androgen insufficiency cause lacrimal gland inflammation and aqueous tear deficiency? Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1999 May;40(6):1261-5.
- Background: PubMed 18453777Schrader S, Mircheff AK, Geerling G. Animal models of dry eye. Dev Ophthalmol. 2008;41:298-312. doi: 10.1159/000131097.
- Background: PubMed 28612893Chisari G, Chisari EM, Francaviglia A, Chisari CG. The mixture of bifidobacterium associated with fructo-oligosaccharides reduces the damage of the ocular surface. Clin Ter. 2017 May-Jun;168(3):e181-e185. doi: 10.7417/T.2017.2002.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
David Pei-Cheng Lin principal investigator
Chung Shan Medical University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Probiotics in people with Dry Eye, run by Chung Shan Medical University at 1 site in Taiwan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Sep 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change of Schirmer's Test Value from Baseline (time frame: on baseline and day36). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05906381, which also lists 7 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 26 Sep 2025.