UAE approves MIEBO eye drop for evaporative dry eye disease

UAE—The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has approved Bausch + Lomb’s MIEBO for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, expanding access to advanced eye care therapies in the UAE.

The approval positions the country among the first globally to authorize the treatment, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to accelerating access to innovative healthcare technologies.

MIEBO contains the active ingredient perfluorohexyloctane and is the first prescription eye drop designed to target tear evaporation directly, one of the primary causes of dry eye disease.

By stabilizing the tear film, the treatment helps reduce irritation, discomfort, and other symptoms associated with the condition.

According to EDE, the UAE is now the third country worldwide to approve the therapy, reflecting the nation’s broader efforts to strengthen its pharmaceutical ecosystem and align healthcare standards with international best practices.

Clinical studies supported approval

The approval was based on findings from the GOBI and MOJAVE clinical trials, which involved more than 1,200 patients diagnosed with dry eye disease linked to meibomian gland dysfunction, a major contributor to tear evaporation.

The studies demonstrated statistically significant improvements in both the signs and symptoms of the disease during the treatment period.

Researchers reported that the therapy delivered sustained symptom relief by addressing evaporation rather than only increasing tear production.

Eye care specialists involved in the studies noted that this mechanism may benefit patients whose tear loss exceeds the natural tear supply.

The treatment is preservative-free and water-free, distinguishing it from many traditional artificial tear products used in dry eye management.

Patients are advised to remove contact lenses before application and wait at least 30 minutes before reinserting them.

Growing focus on eye health innovation

The approval comes as Bausch + Lomb continues to expand its ophthalmology portfolio and invest in dry eye therapies.

In its recently released first-quarter 2026 financial results, the company reported strong growth in its pharmaceuticals division, driven largely by rising sales of MIEBO and XIIDRA.

Bausch + Lomb posted quarterly revenue of US$1.244 billion, up 9% year-over-year, while MIEBO sales increased by 33% during the period.

In addition, the company recently presented new clinical data at the SECO 2026 conference, showing that MIEBO improved dry eye symptoms in cataract surgery patients without affecting the accuracy of preoperative eye measurements.

Dry eye disease affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact visual comfort, productivity, and quality of life.

Symptoms commonly include burning sensations, blurred vision, redness, and eye fatigue, particularly among individuals exposed to prolonged screen use, air conditioning, or environmental irritants.