Comparison of Efficacy of Warm Compresses Versus Loteprednol-Tobramycin Combination Therapy in the Management of Posterior Blepharitis

Maryam Nisar; Abid Hassan Naqvi; Nisar Ahmed Khan; Muhammad Shahid Tarar; Nazia Iqbal

doi:10.51253/pafmj.v73i4.7695

Authors

Maryam Nisar Department of Ophthalmology, Armed Forces Institute of Opthamology/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan
Abid Hassan Naqvi Department of Ophthalmology, Combined Military Hospital Quetta/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Nisar Ahmed Khan Department of Community Medicine, Abbottabad International Medical Institute, Abbottabad Pakistan
Muhammad Shahid Tarar Department of Ophthalmology, Armed Forces Institute of Opthamology/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan
Nazia Iqbal Department of Ophthalmology, Armed Forces Institute of Opthamology/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v73i4.7695

Keywords:

Blepharitis, Meibomian gland dysfunction, Warm compresses

Abstract

Objectives: to compare the efficacy of warm compresses to add-on therapy with Loteprednol-Tobramycin in patients withposterior Blepharitis.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jun 2020 to Jul 2021.

Methodology: Pre-diagnosed posterior blepharitis patients using warm compresses (Group-A) and add-on antibiotic steroid therapy (Group-B) were included in the study. A detailed history and ophthalmic examination evaluated tear breakup time, tear film height, intra-ocular pressure measurement, meibomian gland function, structure, and meibum appearance. In addition, the patient's symptoms were noted through the ocular surface disease index questionnaire.

Results: The study sample had seventy-one males (56%) and 55 females (43.6%) with mean age of 35.33±12.24 years. The clinical parameters in the two groups were almost alike at enrollment. There was a significant improvement in the clinical parameters in both groups. With slightly better improvement among Group-B (using Loteprednol-Tobramycin), Only two individuals did not report an increase in IOP at six weeks of treatment in Group-B. (p=0.53).

Conclusion: Lid hygiene with warm compresses is an effective alternative with no side effects, provided if appropriately practised; however, add-on therapies may further improve MGD and Blepharitis.
Keywords: Blepharitis, Meibomian gland dysfunction, Warm compresses.