Combined Xiidra and Miebo Therapy Improved Dry Eye Symptoms
A new retrospective study indicates that pairing these medications significantly reduced patient eye dryness scores.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Biotech
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Researchers found that a combination of Xiidra and Miebo successfully lowered eye dryness scores in a study of 68 adults. The analysis showed that patients experienced symptomatic relief after using the two treatments in tandem to address mixed-mechanism eye disease.
Why it matters
Clinicians previously lacked real-world evidence confirming the effectiveness of using Xiidra and Miebo together to treat dry eye disease. This data helps medical providers better understand how to manage symptoms for patients who have already failed multiple prior treatments.
The study tracked 68 patients who saw their dryness scores drop from 2.1 to 0.5, with 84% continuing the therapy after an average of 194.4 days. Researchers noted 19 adverse events among the participants.
The players
Bausch + Lomb
This global eye health company is currently evaluating a new eye drop that combines Xiidra and Miebo in a phase 3 clinical study.
The details
Clinicians treated patients simultaneously with both medications to specifically target the inflammation and evaporation associated with dry eye disease. The patient cohort was complex, with 71% presenting with mixed-mechanism disease and 49% having meibomian gland dysfunction.
Timeline
October 2026: The study data was presented at the Academy 2026 conference in Anaheim, California.
194.4 days post-baseline: This served as the average duration until the final follow-up visit for participants.
The Tech Race
The transition toward combination therapies represents a significant shift in managing chronic ocular conditions like dry eye disease. By targeting multiple underlying mechanisms simultaneously, pharmaceutical companies like Bausch + Lomb are attempting to improve patient outcomes where single-drug approaches have historically stalled.
Patients dealing with chronic dry eye who have cycled through multiple treatments without success may see improved options as combination therapies move toward clinical approval. This approach could reduce the total number of individual eye drops required by consolidating inflammation and evaporation treatment into a single protocol.
The takeaway
Patients who suffer from mixed-mechanism dry eye disease should consult with their eye care professionals about whether combining existing therapies is appropriate for their specific diagnosis. Relying on real-world study data can help patients and doctors make informed decisions about complex treatment regimens.
Further reading
For more information on the latest advancements in ocular pharmacology, visit the Biotech section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Healio.
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