The Effectiveness of Natural Honey in Improving Dry Eye Symptoms a Randomized Controlled Clinical Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of natural honey in improving dry eye symptoms.

Method: 100 patients with dry eye were divided into two equal groups. The intervention group used one drop of natural honey in the eye daily for two
weeks, and the control group used a placebo (distilled water). Before and after the intervention, Schirmer, Break-up Time (BUT), and Fluorescein tests
were performed to evaluate the function of the lacrimal glands and the corneal condition. Also, a questionnaire was used to assess the severity of dry eye symptoms and patient satisfaction.

Results: The study showed that the use of natural honey led to a significant improvement in dry eye symptoms. Schirmertest, the average tear secretion in the intervention group significantly increased from 5 mm per minute to 8 mm per minute after treatment (p<0.01). In the BUT test, the average tear film stability time in the intervention group significantly increased from 5 seconds to 10 seconds after treatment (p<0.01). Fluorescein test, the degree of corneal surface dryness in the intervention group significantly decreased from 3+ to 1+ after treatment (p<0.01).

Conclusion: This study shows that natural honey can be considered as a complementary treatment for dry eye. The use of honey has led to a significant improvement in dry eye symptoms and high patient satisfaction. These results suggest that natural honey can be an effective and safe treatment option for patients with dry eye