DefinePK

Research Objective

To compare the efficacy of warm compresses to add-on therapy with Loteprednol-Tobramycin in patients with posterior Blepharitis.

Methodology

Quasi-experimental study conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jun 2020 to Jul 2021. Patients with pre-diagnosed posterior blepharitis were divided into two groups: Group A used warm compresses, and Group B used add-on Loteprednol-Tobramycin therapy. Tear breakup time, tear film height, intra-ocular pressure, meibomian gland function, structure, and meibum appearance were evaluated. The Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire was used to assess symptoms.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
A[Patient Enrollment] --> B[Pre-diagnosed Posterior Blepharitis];
B --> C[Inclusion Criteria Met?];
C -- Yes --> D[Group A: Warm Compresses];
C -- Yes --> E[Group B: Loteprednol-Tobramycin];
D --> F[Ophthalmic Examination & History];
E --> F;
F --> G[Data Collection TBUT, OSDI, IOP, etc.];
G --> H[Follow-up 6 weeks];
H --> I[Repeat Data Collection];
I --> J[Data Analysis];
J --> K[Results];                    

Discussion

Warm compresses with lid hygiene can improve Meibomian gland dysfunction almost equally compared to antibiotic and steroid treatment. The addition of steroids and antibiotics to warm compresses may provide slightly better treatment than warm compresses alone.

Key Findings

Both groups showed significant improvement in clinical parameters. Group B (Loteprednol-Tobramycin) showed slightly better improvement. Only two individuals in Group B reported an increase in IOP at six weeks of treatment (p=0.53).

Conclusion

Warm compresses with lid hygiene are an effective alternative with no side effects, provided if appropriately practiced. Add-on therapies may further improve MGD and Blepharitis.

Fact Check

1. The study was conducted from June 2020 to July 2021. Confirmed by the Methodology section.
2. The study sample consisted of 71 males (56%) and 55 females (43.6%). Confirmed by the Results section.
3. Two individuals in Group B had raised IOP. Confirmed by the Results section.

Mind Map