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Loteprednol improves symptoms associated with evaporative dry eye
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Loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic gel 0.5% significantly improves the signs and symptoms associated with evaporative dry eye resulting from meibomian gland dysfunction, according to a poster presented at the American Academy of Optometry meeting in New Orleans.
Dominick Opitz, OD, FAAO, and colleagues administered the open label, prospective, multicenter study in 30 patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and treated them twice daily with loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic gel 0.5% for 30 days.
Dominick Opitz
After 30 days of treatment, tear break-up time increased by 44.3%, corneal staining decreased by 52%, conjunctival staining decreased by 47.5%, and MGD signs decreased by 31.9%, according to the poster.
“Although it is not certain if ocular surface inflammation contributes to the development of MGD or if MGD causes ocular surface inflammation, the results of this study showed that both clinical signs and symptoms of evaporative dry eye were significantly improved after 30 days of twice-daily dosing of Lotemax gel (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic gel 0.5%, Bausch + Lomb),” Opitz told Primary Care Optometry News.
Mean Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) improved by at least 1 severity level, with OSDI improving by 32.8%.
The researchers found Schirmer’s II and tear osmolarity remained unchanged.
“The evidence to treat ocular surface inflammation and evaporative dry eye continues to expand. Although there are risks associated with topical steroids, Lotemax gel offers a safe, fast and effective treatment option for patients suffering from evaporative dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction,” Opitz concluded. – by Abigail Sutton
Disclosure: Opitz reported financial affiliations with Shire and Valeant.