Eyeworld

19 EW NEWS & OPINION May 2018 suggested, he was confident that oral Ginkgo biloba extract com- bined with cyclosporine eye drops represents a feasible new treatment option to relieve the dry eye symp- toms. "Dry eye symptoms arise after an environmental insult, inflamma- tion, and hyperosmolarity activated nociceptors (nociceptive pain)," Dr. Kim said. "Chronic changes can occur in the peripheral and central nervous system and lead to chron- ic dry eye symptoms. Also, after cataract surgery, the corneal incision causes damage to the normal corne- al sensory nerve, resulting in corneal sensation and secondary decrease in tear secretion." Ginkgo biloba for eyes Ginkgo biloba contains multiple compounds such as flavonoids and terpenoids that are thought to contribute to its neuroprotective and vasotropic properties. It has been used as a common treatment in traditional Chinese medicine thanks to its antioxidant effects, mostly to achieve clearer thinking and im- proved memory. However, Ginkgo biloba has gained some attention in ophthalmology as well. One study demonstrated that Ginkgo biloba significantly increased end diastolic velocity in the ophthalmic artery in glaucoma patients compared to placebo and was deemed deserving of further investigation for neuro- protection for possible application in the treatment of glaucomatous optic neuropathy and other isch- emic ocular diseases. 2 Another report that supported the use of Ginkgo biloba in glauco- ma claimed the substance had sev- eral biological actions that combine to make it a potentially important agent in glaucoma treatment, such as improved central and peripheral blood flow, reduction of vasospasm, reduction of serum viscosity, anti- oxidant activity, platelet activating factor inhibition, inhibition of apoptosis, and inhibition of exito- toxicity. 3 EW References 1. Messmer EM. The pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of dry eye disease. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2015;112:71–81. 2. Chung HS, et al. Ginkgo biloba extract increases ocular blood flow velocity. J Ocul Contact information Man-Soo Kim: mskim@catholic.ac.kr Pharmacol Ther. 1999;15:233–40. 3. Ritch R. Potential role for Ginkgo biloba extract in the treatment of glaucoma. Med Hypotheses. 2000;54:221–35. Editors' note: Dr. Kim has no financial interests related to his comments. New MASKIN ® * MGD Products *Developed In Coordination With Steven L. Maskin, M.D., MASKIN ® Is A Registered Trademark Of Steven L. Maskin, M.D. **US Patent No. 9,510,844 & European Patent No. 2,222,355 KR-Adv-040518-Rev0 76um Probes** 110um Tubes 150um Dilators** 150um Tubes Meibum Expressor ® 800-225-1195 • info@katena.com • www.katena.com ®

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