Dry eye disease affects roughly 16 million Americans, causing discomfort, blurred vision, and in severe cases damage to the cornea. Treatment has historically been limited to artificial tears and managing inflammation with cyclosporine or lifitegrast drops. Research now explores nerve stimulation devices, biologics, and new ways to address the root causes — whether low tear production, poor tear quality, or nerve dysfunction.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing nerve stimulation devices that trigger natural tear production, biologics that target inflammation pathways, new formulations of existing drugs, and treatments for meibomian gland dysfunction (where oil glands in the eyelids stop working properly). Researchers are also studying the role of the gut-eye axis and whether the microbiome influences dry eye.
Nerve stimulation devices
Small devices that stimulate nerves in the nose to trigger tear production are now FDA-approved, and newer versions are being tested. These offer an alternative for people who don't respond to drops.
Biologics for inflammation
Drugs that block specific inflammatory signals, similar to those used in rheumatoid arthritis, are being tested as eye drops or injections. They may help people with severe inflammation who haven't improved with cyclosporine.
Meibomian gland treatments
About half of dry eye cases involve clogged oil glands in the eyelids. New thermal devices and drugs aim to restore gland function rather than just treating symptoms.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on symptom severity, tear production tests, corneal damage seen on exam, and whether you've tried standard treatments like artificial tears or anti-inflammatory drops.
What types of trials are currently open
- Treatment trials — Testing new eye drops, ointments, or sprays to see if they relieve symptoms better than current options.
- Device trials — Testing nerve stimulation devices, thermal pulsation systems for meibomian glands, or wearable moisture chambers.
- Biologic trials — Testing anti-inflammatory biologics given as eye drops or injections for people with severe disease.
- Combination trials — Testing whether combining treatments — such as a drop plus a device — works better than either alone.
- Natural history studies — Following people with dry eye over time to learn what predicts progression and which symptoms matter most.
Recently added Dry Eye Disease trials
A Multi Center Evaluation of TearCare on Surgical Measurements Before Cataract Surgery
The goal of this study is to evaluate whether TearCare treatment stabilizes corneal measurements sufficiently to determine when cataract biometry can be considered reliable.
Effectiveness Study of TRYPTYR in Dry Eye Disease
Multi-center, prospective, open-label, single-arm effectiveness of acoltremon 0.003% in improving patient signs and symptoms with dry eye disease. Subjects will be assessed at baseline, and after 7, 14, and 28 days of treatment. Clinical evaluations will include administration of the Eye Dryness Score Visual Analog Scale (EDS-VAS), measurement of visual acuity at distance, corneal fluorescein staining, conjunctival lissamine green staining, and Pain Numerical Rating Scale assessment.
Find Dry Eye Disease trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.