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New research · Ophthalmology
International ophthalmology · 2d
Meta-analysisInternational ophthalmology · 2026

Efficacy and safety of varenicline nasal spray in dry eye disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Sara Almutawtah, Yaqoub AlFoudari, Ahmed Mohammad … Abdullah M Alharran
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OphthalmologyMeta-analysis

Varenicline nasal spray significantly increased tear production in dry eye disease patients.

Efficacy and safety of varenicline nasal spray in dry eye disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Sara Almutawtah … Abdullah M Alharran
International ophthalmology · 2026
Background

Dry eye disease is a multifactorial ocular surface disorder characterized by tear film instability and inflammation, leading to impaired visual function and reduced quality of life.

Methods

We searched electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) from inception to February 2026 to identify randomized controlled trials (randomized controlled trials) assessing varenicline nasal spray (0.03 mg or 0.06 mg twice daily) in adults with dry eye symptoms.

Results

how much more tear fluid the eyes made after treatment

MD 5.52 (95% CI 4.08 to 6.97)
null 0
4.08
6.97
CI excludes the null - significant
More results

Eye Dryness Score showed a non-significant numerical improvement (MD = - 4.38; 95% CI: - 12.02 to 3.25; p = 0.2601).

Dose-based subgroup analyses showed consistent Schirmer test benefits for both 0.03 mg and 0.06 mg doses.

Corneal fluorescein staining was not significantly improved.

“
Conclusion

Varenicline nasal spray improved tear production, with less consistent effects on symptoms and corneal staining. Ocular safety was comparable, but sneezing was more frequent.

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