Alcon Systane Pro Preservative-Free (PF) provided clinically meaningful dry eye symptom relief in a prospective, randomized clinical study. Presented at the American Academy of Optometry 2026 Annual Meeting in Anaheim, Calif., the investigator-initiated study evaluated Systane Pro PF against perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution. Systane Pro PF met its primary endpoint, demonstrating non-inferiority at two weeks and one month based on Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) symptom scores.
Systane Pro PF is available over the counter in the United States and other markets. Alcon says the drops are formulated to provide sustained hydration, restore tear film stability, and protect against further irritation.
Reduction in Dry Eye Symptoms
The prospective, randomized, double-masked, multicenter study included 256 patients with moderate-to-severe dry eye symptoms. Researchers randomized participants to receive either Systane Pro PF or perfluorohexyloctane four times daily in both eyes and evaluated them at baseline, two weeks, and one month.
Researchers used a prespecified non-inferiority margin of 7.3 OSDI units. The between-group difference was -2.7 at two weeks and -3.0 at one month. Both groups experienced statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in OSDI symptoms at two weeks, with improvements sustained through one month.
The study was supported by an independent research grant from Alcon.
Study Takeaways
Based on these findings, lead investigator Anna Tichenor, OD, PhD, FAAO, assistant professor and chief of the Indiana University School of Optometry Dry Eye Clinic says she can confidently recommend SYSTANE PRO PF as a first-line treatment option for her patients with dry eye symptoms. Dry eye disease affects an estimated 39 million people in the United States, according to Market Scope.
“These results provide eye care professionals (ECPs) with meaningful comparative evidence when considering treatment options for patients with dry eye disease,” Dr. Tichenor says.
Sarika Sood, vice president of Global Medical Affairs and Health Economics and Outcomes Research at Alcon, says the results add to the body of evidence supporting SYSTANE PRO PF.
“These findings underscore the strength of SYSTANE PRO PF, backed by a rigorous, independently conducted randomized clinical study.”