A fruity way to treat dry eyes

LONDON: Eye drops made from exotic tamarind fruit could help millions combat dry-eye syndrome.

In clinical trials of Rohto Dry Eye Relief, the drops were found to improve symptoms 56 per cent more than other treatments.

One in three people suffers at some point in their lives from dry eyes, which can be triggered by spending long hours in front of a computer or TV.

The new eye drops, available from pharmacies, combine two active ingredients for the first time.

Hyaluronic acid can restore and maintain hydration by reducing fluid loss from the eye, while tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) helps repair the tear film - the watery surface layer of the eye - preventing it from drying out.

The clinical trial on 22 patients compared the new eye drops to hyaluronic acid alone.