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Novel wipes may offer easy, comfortable treatment for blepharitis before cataract surgery

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Vincenzo Scorcia

MILAN — An easy-to-to use disposable wipe containing natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic substances showed superior results compared with the standard treatment for blepharitis, according to a study.

“Blepharitis is a common, frequently overlooked condition which affects nearly 60% of patients undergoing cataract surgery and may significantly impact on the preoperative measurement and postoperative outcomes,” Vincenzo Scorcia, MD, said at the OSN Italy meeting.

Affected patients tend to have an unstable tear film, leading to inaccurate keratometry readings and errors in IOL power calculations. In addition, blepharitis is also a risk factor for postoperative endophthalmitis because the eyelid and conjunctiva are the most frequent sources of intraoperative contamination.

“In a study, we compared the efficacy, safety and patient satisfaction of a novel strategy, the Blephapad Combo, vs. the standard treatment with warm compresses,” Scorcia said.

The Blephapad Combo pack (NTC) includes disposable wet wipes containing sodium hyaluronate, aloe, natural anti-inflammatories and antiseptics, and heatable tablets that change color when the temperature reaches 46°C.

“The patient immerses it in boiling hot water and knows that when the color turns to yellow, the right temperature has been reached. This is much better than the usual empiric method,” Scorcia said.

The Blephapad method was used in one eye of each patient and the traditional method with wet warm gauze in the other eye. Seventy percent of the patients preferred the Blephapad method, found it easier to use and reported better comfort. As a result, compliance improved.

“The next step will be to evaluate if this method has an impact on cataract surgery,” Scorcia said. – by Michela Cimberle

Reference:

Scorcia V. Blepharitis and cataract surgery: problems and new solutions. Presented at: OSN Italy meeting; May 18-19, 2018; Milan.

Disclosure: Scorcia reports no relevant financial disclosures.