Efficacy Of Honey-Based Eye Drop To Relieve Ocular Signs And Symptoms In Dry Eye: A Systematic Review

Dry eye frequently disturbs activity. Among the risk factors is ocular flora imbalance. The use of antibiotics poses resistance issue, alternative is needed. Honey has been studied for antimicrobial and antiinflammatory traits. This study reviews the efficacy of honey eye drop in relieving dry eye. 

The study was done through journal searching in January 2021.

Searching was done in three database: Pubmed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. Clinical trials that fulfill eligibility criteria and clear measurements were included. Parameters to be reviewed were ocular symptoms, tear film instability, tear volume, tear composition, and ocular damage.

Three studies were included. All of them were done in Australia to adult dry eye subjects and used Manuka honey eye drop. Control were artificial tears in all studies. Dry eye symptoms in honey group improved significantly compared to control group. However, improvement of dry eye signs in honey eye drop was not consistently significant compared to control group. Participant masking was an issue due to distinctive smell of honey eye drop. No serious adverse reaction was found.

Honey eye drop improved dry eye symptoms significantly better than articial tears but not significantly improved dry eye signs compared to artificial tears. Participant masking should be considered to this finding. Further studies were required to confirm the role of honey in relieving dry eye.