Tobramycin and dexamethasone ointment combined with tea tree oil for treatment of demodex blepharitis

Abstract

Objective To observe the clinical effect of tobramycin and dexamethasone ointment combined with tea tree oil in treating demodex blepharitis. Methods Randomized controlled trial. Fifty cases (50 eyes) diagnosed in demodex blepharitis were included in Remin Hospital of Wuhan Universtiy from July 2015 to June 2016. All cases were selected according to the inclusion criteria after confirmation by slit lamp and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Tobramycin and dexamethasone ointment combined with tea tree oil was applied to the eye lids of the test group (n=25). The control group (n=25) received vaseline combined with tea tree oil. The clinical symptoms and signs were scored after 14 days of treatment. Data for the two groups were compared by independent t-test and the Mann-Whitney test. Results Before treatment, the differences in symptom and sign scores of the two groups were not significantly different from one another. Treatment with tobramycin and dexamethasone ointment combined with tea tree oil signifcantly reduced redness, photophobia, tearing, and burning sensation compared to treatment with vaseline combined with tea tree oil (Z=-3.75, -2.39, -2.55, -2.82, all P<0.05). However there was no difference between the treatments in itching or foreign body sensation. Meibomian gland blockage, meibomian gland secretions, and conjunctival hyperemia were significantly lower in eyes treated with tobramycin and dexamethasone ointment combined with tea tree oil compared to control eyes (Z=-3.12, -2.94, -2.02, all P<0.05), while there was no difference between the treatments in eyelash scaliness. There was also no difference in intraocular pressure between the two groups before treatment or after treatment. None of the patients had allergic symptoms. Conclusion Tobramycin and dexamethasone ointment combined with tea tree oil in treating demodex blepharitis can improve the symptoms and signs more than that vaseline combined with tea tree oil. Neither treatment had a negative effect on intraocular pressure. Thus, the clinical effect of tobramycin and dexamethasone ointment combined with tea tree oil was satisfactory. Key words: Tea tree oil; Treatment outcome; Tobramycin and dexamethasone ointment; Demodex blepharitis