Bioscientia Medicina : Journal of Biomedicine and Translational Research
Vol. 10 No. 5 (2026): Bioscientia Medicina: Journal of Biomedicine & Translational Research

Adjunctive Diquafosol Sodium 3% and Tear-Ferning Recovery After Pars Plana Vitrectomy: An Exploratory Randomized Trial

Ramzi Amin (Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sriwijaya/ Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Central General Hospital, Palembang, Indonesia)
Petty Purwanita (Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sriwijaya/ Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Central General Hospital, Palembang, Indonesia)
Rizka Yunanda (Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sriwijaya/ Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Central General Hospital, Palembang, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 May 2026

Abstract

Background: Ocular-surface disturbance after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) may impair tear-film stability and mucin-related function. Diquafosol sodium stimulates aqueous and mucin secretion through P2Y₂-receptor signaling, but evidence after PPV remains limited. Objective: This study evaluated adjunctive diquafosol sodium 3% using tear-ferning grade as an exploratory outcome. Methods: This single-center randomized trial enrolled 36 adults after PPV. Participants received diquafosol sodium 3% six times daily for eight weeks plus standard postoperative care (n=18) or standard care alone (n=18). Treatment was open label; tear-ferning assessment was performed by a masked assessor. Ferning grade was measured at postoperative weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8. Between-group comparisons used the Mann–Whitney U test with multiplicity adjustment, and standardized effect magnitudes were summarized using Hedges g with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Mean ferning grades were similar at week 1 (3.94±0.236 vs 3.72±0.461; p=0.203), week 2 (3.67±0.594 vs 3.72±0.461; p=0.938), and week 4 (2.89±0.323 vs 3.00±0.000; p=0.584). At week 8, the diquafosol group had a lower mean grade than the control group (2.11±0.471 vs 2.72±0.461; p=0.003), with a standardized effect magnitude of 1.28 (95% CI 0.57–1.99). No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Adjunctive diquafosol was associated with better tear-ferning grade at eight weeks after PPV. The finding is exploratory and requires confirmation using larger, multicenter, placebo-controlled trials with multidimensional ocular-surface outcomes.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

bsm

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Neuroscience

Description

This journal welcomes the submission of articles that offering a sensible transfer of basic research to applied clinical medicine. BioScientia Medicina covers the latest developments in various fields of biomedicine with special attention to : 1.Rhemumatology 2.Molecular aspect of Indonesia ...