Substantiation of pharmacological correction of the condition of the ocular surface in postcovid syndrome

Abstract

Introduction. Oxidative stress is a factor in the pathogenesis of postcovid microcirculatory conjunctival disorders. Antioxidant protection preparations are represented by vitamin and mineral complexes and drops that protect cells from free radical oxidation. These include taurine, the active ingredient of which is taurine.Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of the effect on the state of the microcirculatory bed of the conjunctiva and the reparative properties of the drug taurine in postcovid syndrome.Material and methods. The study included 41 patients (82 eyes), in the postcovid period (more than 12 months after the coronavirus infection), divided into 2 groups. The examination consisted of: clinical examination, functional tests (Schirmer test, Norn test, vital dye tests), laser Doppler flowmetry. Treatment: instillation of 0.1% hyaluronic acid, dexpanthenol. Group 1 patients additionally received 4% taurine 3 times a day.Results and discussion. The effectiveness of therapy was evaluated after 1, 3 and 6 months. The condition of the cornea was monitored weekly for a month. Results: improvement of clinical and functional (decrease in OSDI index, reduction of conjunctival hyperemia, restoration of corneal epithelium) and instrumental indicators (increase in blood flow velocity in vessels of bulbar conjunctiva) in group 1 patients was established after 1 week and 1 month, with preservation of results by 6 months; in patients of group 2 (with less pronounced dynamics) – after 2 weeks and 3 months and moderate suppression of the intensity of the functioning of the regulatory systems of microcirculation by the 6th month of follow-up. Conclusions: due to the cytoprotective and reparative effect on the ocular surface, improvement of the main indicators of microcirculation, the drug can be recommended for use in patients with impaired microcirculation of the conjunctiva and the presence of corneal epitheliopathy in postcovid syndrome.