Researchers from the Optometric Technology Group in London have found that an eye drop containing castor oil and demulcents was associated with a reduction in tear film evaporation rate and increase in ocular comfort.
The castor oil was detected in the basal tear after 30 days of use and at least 3 hours after the last eye drop instillation.Researchers conducted a prospective bilateral evaluation of evaporative dry eye sufferers using Refresh Optive Advanced (Allergan) for 1 month. Results showed that a detectable amount of castor oil in the tear samples was associated with a lower evaporation rate at 30% [low] relative humidity.