INTRODUCTION: Artificial tear substitutes are key elements in the first-line treatment of dry eye disease (DED). We hypothesized that GlicoPro METHODS: We performed an in vitro experiment and a clinical study, comparing an HPMC + GlicoPro RESULTS: In vitro experiment: under hyperosmotic conditions, corneal epithelial cells upregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-20, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8. Treatment with HPMC + GlicoPro CLINICAL STUDY: the HPMC + GlicoPro CONCLUSIONS: Both in vitro and clinical data provided evidence supporting the role of GlicoPro CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06726525.