[Clinical Edge] Why Do Diquas Eye Drops Sting or Burn?

 A brief stinging or burning sensation after using Diquas eye drops can occur, especially when the surface of the eye is already dry, irritated, or sensitive.

In many cases, the discomfort is mild and fades shortly after the drop is applied. However, worsening pain, persistent redness, or decreased vision should not be dismissed as a normal adjustment.

What Is Diquas?

Diquas contains diquafosol sodium, a prescription medication used to treat dry eye disease.

Unlike conventional artificial tears, which mainly add temporary moisture to the eye, diquafosol stimulates the ocular surface to release more fluid and mucin. These components help stabilize the tear film and protect the surface of the eye.

In other words, Diquas is intended to improve the tear-film environment rather than simply lubricate the eye for a short time.

Why Can Diquas Sting?

One of the most common reasons is that the corneal surface is already irritated by dry eye disease.

When the tear film is unstable, the corneal epithelium may develop tiny areas of surface damage. Applying an eye drop to this sensitive surface can temporarily cause:

• Stinging
• Burning
• Irritation
• A foreign-body sensation
• Briefly blurred vision

The discomfort may be more noticeable in people with severe dry eye, significant corneal staining, or inflammation of the ocular surface.

Can Diquas Cause Stringy Discharge?

Some patients notice clear or whitish, string-like material around the eyes after using Diquas.

This may occur because diquafosol promotes mucin secretion. It is usually different from the thick yellow or green discharge that may occur with an eye infection.

Stringy discharge alone does not necessarily mean that the medication is unsuitable. However, increasing discharge accompanied by redness, swelling, pain, or eyelids sticking together should be evaluated.

Is Temporary Blurry Vision Normal?

A brief period of blurry vision can occur immediately after an eye drop is applied because the medication temporarily changes the tear film.

Vision should generally clear after blinking and allowing the drop to spread across the eye.

Persistent or worsening blurry vision is not something to ignore, particularly when it is accompanied by pain, marked redness, or light sensitivity.

When Should You Contact Your Eye Doctor?

Arrange an eye examination if:

• Stinging or pain becomes progressively worse.
• Discomfort continues for an extended period after each dose.
• Significant redness develops.
• Your vision remains blurred or decreases.
• You develop marked light sensitivity.
• Your eyelids become swollen or intensely itchy.
• You develop thick yellow or green discharge.

These symptoms may indicate significant ocular-surface inflammation, an allergic reaction, corneal disease, or another condition requiring evaluation.

How Can You Reduce the Discomfort?

Diquas is not designed to create an immediate cooling or soothing sensation. Its benefit usually depends on consistent use as prescribed.

The following steps may help:

• Use the medication exactly as directed.
• Avoid touching the bottle tip to your eye or eyelashes.
• Leave at least five minutes between Diquas and other eye drops.
• Ask your eye doctor whether preservative-free artificial tears may be used between doses.
• Discuss persistent irritation before reducing the frequency or stopping treatment.

Do not discontinue a prescribed medication solely because of brief mild stinging without first considering how severe and persistent the reaction is.

Is Diquas Available in the United States?

Diquas is used in South Korea, Japan, and several other Asian markets. It is not a standard dry eye prescription medication in the United States, where treatments such as artificial tears, cyclosporine, lifitegrast, corticosteroid eye drops, and other therapies may be used instead.

Availability and approved dosing schedules vary by country. For example, a longer-acting Diquas LX formulation was launched in Japan with a three-times-daily dosing schedule.

Patients outside Asia may therefore be unfamiliar with the Diquas brand even if they have been treated for dry eye disease.

Key Takeaway

Brief stinging after using Diquas can occur when the ocular surface is dry or sensitive, and clear string-like discharge may result from increased mucin secretion. However, worsening pain, persistent blurred vision, severe redness, light sensitivity, or swelling should be evaluated by an eye care professional.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.