Assessment of efficacy of topical azithromycin 1.5 per cent ophthalmic solution for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of topical azithromycin 1.5 per cent ophthalmic solution in treatment of the clinical signs and symptoms associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

METHODS: In this retrospective study, 35 patients with MGD were treated with topical azithromycin 1.5 per cent ophthalmic solution for 30 days. Topical azithromycin 1.5 per cent ophthalmic solution was prescribed twice daily for two days and then once daily for a total of 30 days. Daily lid hygiene with dilute baby shampoo was instructed for all patients. Patient total symptom score, meibomian gland grading score, Schirmer score with anaesthetic, tear film break-up time (TFBUT) and corneal fluorescein staining score were evaluated at baseline and after one and three months.

RESULTS: Patient total symptom score, meibomian gland grading score, Schirmer score with anaesthetic, TFBUT and corneal staining score reduced significantly from the baseline to the first month (p < 0.05, for each); however, at the third month, there was no significant difference from baseline in the meibomian gland grading score, Schirmer score with anaesthetic, TFBUT and corneal fluorescein staining score (p > 0.05, for each).

CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that topical azithromycin 1.5 per cent ophthalmic solution appears effective in the short-term treatment of the clinical signs and symptoms associated with MGD.