Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Male or female aged ≥ 18 years 2. Baseline unanesthetized Schirmer test ≥2 and \< 10 mm 3. Symptoms of neuropathic corneal pain (such as burning, stinging, light sensitivity, discomfort, or pain) for at least 3 months with driving symptom rated at level 4 or higher on VAS. 4. Positive IVCM findings evaluated by an experienced ophthalmologist (Pedram Hamrah, MD): for decreased nerve density AND evidence of microneuromas. 5. Females of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test. 6. Change of 50% or more improvement in VAS score after topical 0.5% proparacaine hydrochloride (Alcaine, Alcon, Fort Worth, TX). Exclusion Criteria: 1. Evidence of any active ocular infection or any intraocular inflammation. 2. Evidence of any persistent epithelial defect/ulcer or any corneal scar/corneal edema. 3. Presence of any other ocular conditions that require topical medications during the treatment phase. 4. History of severe systemic allergies or severe ocular allergies. 5. Inability to suspend topical medications and varenicline 8 days prior to the starting date, except for artificial and serum tears for which subjects must be stable on current regimen for ≥3 months with no changes during the trial. 6. History of any ocular surgery within three months before study Visit 1. 7. Ocular surgery expected during the duration of the study. 8. Use of refractive/therapeutic contact lenses during the study period. 9. Female subjects who are pregnant/have a positive pregnancy test result or are breastfeeding or intend to become pregnant during the study treatment period. 10. Drug addiction/alcohol abuse within the last year. 11. Participation in another clinical trial concurrently.