TOPICAL MENTHOL FOR TEAR SECRETION

Launched by REINHOLD VIETH · Jul 30, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring whether menthol vapor can help increase tear production in people with healthy or mildly dry eyes. Tears are important because they keep our eyes moist and comfortable, and sometimes eyes don’t make enough tears to stay properly hydrated. The study will test if applying a menthol solution to the cheek releases menthol vapor that stimulates special cold sensors on the surface of the eye, which might then trigger the eyes to produce more tears naturally.

The trial is looking for adults aged 65 to 74 who do not currently see an eye doctor for dry eye treatment. People who are allergic to menthol, wear contact lenses during the test, already have tears in their eyes before the test, recently used eye drops, or have skin problems near the application area won’t be eligible. If you participate, you can expect a simple and quick procedure where menthol is applied to your cheek, and the researchers will observe whether your eyes produce more tears. If successful, this study could lead to new, easy ways to help people keep their eyes comfortable without relying on eye drops.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Not under care of an opthalmologist for treatment of dry-eyes
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • • Excluded if "Yes" to any of the questions below.
• • Are you allergic to menthol or to menthol-containing products like tooth paste or certain cold remedies?
• • Are you wearing contact lenses during the time of testing? ________
• • Are there tears present prior to applying the menthol? ________
• • Did you use of eye drops during the hour before participation? ________
• • Do you have broken, irritated, sensitive skin and/or acne at or around application site? ________
• • Do you have a history of atopy, allergic diseases at the skin of your cheeks?
• • Do you have Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which is any known skin response to chemical, thermal, or radiation injury to the application area? ____