Eye Ointment Research Articles

The Effect of Three Eye Care Methods on the Severity of Lagophthalmos in Intensive Care Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background Patients admitted to intensive care units are exposed to a variety of eye injuries such as lagophthalmos, which can lead to blindness. There is conflicting evidence regarding the effectiveness of different eye protection methods, and evaluations are ongoing. Therefore, this study was performed to compare the effect of “polyethylene cover,” “polyethylene cover plus artificial tear drops,” and “polyethylene cover plus Lubratex eye ointment” on the severity of lagophthalmos. Methods A total of 156 patients connected to ventilators were included in this clinical trial using the convenience sampling method. They were randomly divided into three groups: “polyethylene cover,” polyethylene cover plus artificial tear drops,” and “polyethylene cover plus Lubratex eye ointment.” In each group, one eye was regarded as control and the other eye as intervention. The control eye received routine interventions, including washing with normal saline. The eyes were examined daily by an ophthalmologist for 5 days for the occurrence of lagophthalmos. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the severity of lagophthalmos among the three groups “polyethylene cover,” “polyethylene cover plus artificial tear drop,” and “polyethylene cover plus Lubratex eye ointment.” However, clinically the severity of lagophthalmos was lower in the “polyethylene cover plus artificial tear drops” group than in the other two groups. Conclusion The results showed that the combination of polyethylene cover and artificial tears drops can be clinically effective in reducing the severity of lagophthalmos. Therefore, the use of this method is recommended for patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Similar studies are recommended.

Novel Contact Lenses Embedded with Drug-Loaded Zwitterionic Nanogels for Extended Ophthalmic Drug Delivery.

Therapeutic ophthalmic contact lenses with prolonged drug release and improved bioavailability have been developed to circumvent tedious eye drop instillation. In this work, zwitterionic nanogels based on poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) were easily fabricated by one-step reflux-precipitation polymerization, with the advantages of being surfactant-free and morphology controlled. Then, the ophthalmic drug levofloxacin (LEV) was encapsulated into the nanogels. A set of contact lenses with varied nanogel-loading content was fabricated by the cast molding method, with the drug-loaded nanogels dispersed in pre-monomer solutions composed of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP). The structure, surface morphology, water contact angle (WCA), equilibrium water content (EWC), transmittance, and mechanical properties of the contact lenses were subsequently investigated, and in vitro drug release and biocompatibility were further evaluated. As a result, the optimized contact lens with nanogel-loading content of 8 wt% could sustainably deliver LEV for ten days, with critical lens properties within the range of recommended values for commercial contact lenses. Moreover, cell viability assays revealed that the prepared contact lenses were cytocompatible, suggesting their significant potential as an alternative to traditional eye drops or ointment formulations for long-term oculopathy treatment.

A comparative study between ciclosporine A eye drop (2%) and tacrolimus eye ointment (0.03%) in management of children with refractory vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

To compare the effects of ciclosporine A (2%) eye drop and tacrolimus (0.03%) eye ointment on children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) who were not responding to corticosteroid eye drops. A prospective comparative study was carried out on children who were diagnosed with refractory VKC at the ophthalmology clinic in Benha University, Delta area, Egypt, during the period from October 2019 to February 2020. Fifty-nine patients completed this study. Regarding the individual symptom score, redness, burning, photophobia, and foreign body sensation were significantly reduced in the tacrolimus group compared to those in the ciclosporine A group during the 1st week (p < 0.05). Moreover, the tacrolimus group showed a statistically significant reduction in burning and foreign body sensation at the 4th week (both p = 0.032), and in redness and burning sensation at the 12th week compared to those in the ciclosporine A group (p = 0.005 and 0.048, respectively). The tacrolimus group showed significantly lower mean scores for tarsal conjunctival papillary hypertrophy at the 1st week and 12th week (p = 0.037 and 0.046, respectively), and for punctate erosion and cobblestone papillae at the 1st week (p = 0.029 and 0.037, respectively) than the ciclosporine group. Failure of treatment was observed in 6 patients (19.35%) in the ciclosporine A group and in 5 patients (17.85%) in the tacrolimus group. No serious side effects were detected in any group. A higher reduction in inflammatory symptoms and signs as well as compliance with tacrolimus 0.03% eye ointment than with ciclosporine A 2% eye drops was observed. Moreover, long-term medication for refractory cases is needed to control inflammation. Overall, our finding suggested that ciclosporine A eye drops and tacrolimus eye ointment could be considered as corticosteroid-sparing drugs in the management of children with refractory VKC.

Side Effects Analysis of Lacrimal Duct Probing Combined with Tobramycin and Dexamethasone Eye Ointment in Treating Congenital Lacrimal Duct Obstruction

Side Effects Analysis of Lacrimal Duct Probing Combined with Tobramycin and Dexamethasone Eye Ointment in Treating Congenital Lacrimal Duct Obstruction

Preliminary Physiochemical Evaluation of Nagaradi Ointment: An Ayurvedic Formulation

Plants serve as a very rich source of bioactive molecules, which are used to treat various acute and chronic diseases in Ayurveda. Medicinal plant materials are formulated into various types of Ayurvedic medicine either by ancient or modern methods where standardization plays a pivotal role for authentication. Standardization confirms the identity, quality and purity of drugs. WHO has set up various parameters to evaluate the crude drugs and their finished products. Now a day’s application of several modern analytical techniques has become inevitable for evaluating quality, safety and efficacy of the polyherbal Ayurvedic formulations. Out of several formulations available in Ayurveda, Anjana is considered as unique in Shalakya Tantra due to its various forms (which are prepared by different ways). This article is about the formation of Nagaradi Anjana as ointment which can be taken as a form of Raskriyanjana. Most of the ingredients of Nagaradi ointment are Chakshushya i.e., good for eyes and also have Kaphashamak properties. That is why they are useful in ocular diseased conditions which have dominance of Kapha dosha like Kaphaja Abhishyanda. Keeping all these points in view, the present study has been undertaken with the aim to make the Ayurvedic formulation in the form of Raskriya Anjana or ointment, from the herbal drugs, mentioned in Astanga Sangrah, an Ayurvedic classical text and to develop the physiochemical profile of it. The eye ointment was prepared by using vaseline as base which is mixed with powdered Ghana Satva of the herbal drugs.

Availability of Essential Medicines in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review

Objective: Essential Medicines (EMs) are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of the population. Access to health care including EMs is a fundamental human right. In Ethiopia, studies designate the frequent drug shortages in public health facilities. Hence, this review aimed to assess and evaluate the national availability of essential medicines in Ethiopia. Method: A systematic searching for all study designs which are published and/or reported from inception to August 27/2019 strategy was conducted in two literature databases (Google Scholar and PubMed. Additionally, references of related articles were searched using different search engines. Data qualities were assessed by abstracting the quality procedures taken in each individual’s studies and cross checked with Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality appraisal criteria. Results: A total of 256 studies, including duplicates, were primarily searched. Nine studies were met current study inclusion criteria. All included studies were published from 2003 to 2019 G.C. Consequently, reviewed studies conducted a total of 356 public and private drug outlets. All studies used cross-sectional study design. The most frequent concepts emerged in these documents were regarding availability and affordability of EMs (5 Articles), availability and pharmaceutical inventory management (3 Articles), one document on availability and price. The average national availability of EMs was precisely in public and private facilities scored about 70.16% and 70.1%, respectively. Results from the sub-national study indicate that, the national average stock out duration in primary health care facilities was 99.2 days, highest in Benishangul Gumuz (139 days). The most frequently reported stocked out drugs within the past 6-12 months at the time of study were; ORS, Amoxicillin syrup 125mg/5ml, Tetracycline eye ointment and tablet, Ergometrine injection in Adama and chloroquine syrup in Gondar. Whereas, carbamazepine 100mg/5ml syrup, diazepam 5mg/ml ampoule, gentamicin 20mg/2ml ampoule and ibuprofen 100mg/5ml suspension were not found in any drug outlets in both public and private sectors at the day of visit in West Wollega. Conclusion: The finding of this review indicates the average national availability of essential medicines in Ethiopia is presently under the requirements of WHO recommendations. Moreover, the longer stockout period was also perceived in healthcare facilities. Thus, might need further attention of the respective stakeholders.

Development of lipid-based microsuspensions for improved ophthalmic delivery of gentamicin sulphate.

Aim: Anterior eye segment disorders are treated with eye drops and ointments, which have low ocular bioavailability necessitating the need for improved alternatives. Lipid microsuspension of gentamicin sulphate was developed for the treatment of susceptible eye diseases. Materials & methods: Lipid microsuspensions encapsulating gentamicin sulphate were produced by hot homogenization and evaluated. Ex vivo permeation and ocular irritancy tests were also conducted. Results & conclusion: Stable microsuspensions with high entrapment efficiency and satisfactory osmolarities were obtained. Release studies achieved 49-88% in vitro release at 12h with sustained permeability of gentamicin compared with conventional gentamicin eye drop (Evril®). No irritation was observed following Draize's test. The microsuspensions have great potential as ocular delivery system of gentamicin sulphate.

Is Interferon α-2b 1 MillionIU/mL Truly Better Than Tacrolimus 0.03% for Steroid-Resistant VKC ?: Our 2-Year Experience at a Tertiary Health-Care Centre.

PurposeTo compare the efficacy of eye-drop interferon (IFN) α-2b 1 millionIU/mL with eye-ointment tacrolimus 0.03% in refractory vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC).Materials and MethodsFifty patients with VKC refractory to conventional treatment with topical corticosteroids and antihistamines after 4 weeks of regular use were selected retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups depending on whether they received eye-ointment tacrolimus 0.03% three times a day or eye-drop IFN alpha-2b 1 millionIU/mL three times a day and were followed up for 24 months. The main outcome measures were total subjective symptom score (TSSS) and total objective ocular score (TOSS).ResultsMean baseline TSSS was 7.24±1.98 in Group A (tacrolimus group) and 7.84±1.82 in Group B (IFN group), and it reduced to 1.12±0.83 in Group A and 0.62±0.41 in Group B at 6 months, which was statistically significant compared to the baseline score (p<0.05) as well as between the two groups. Mean baseline TOSS was 6.72±2.07 in Group A and 6.56±2.04 in Group B, and it improved to 1 month onwards to 1.52±0.87 in Group A and 1.0±0.71 in Group B at 6 months, which was statistically significant compared to the baseline score (p<0.05) as well as between the two groups. Side effects like stinging and burning sensations were seen in the tacrolimus group only.ConclusionOur study suggests that while both eye-drop IFN α-2b 1 millionIU/mL and eye-ointment tacrolimus eye ointment 0.03% are both safe and effective steroid-sparing agents in steroid-resistant VKC. IFN α-2b results in greater improvement in subjective symptoms and objective signs, has fewer side effects in long term and is better tolerated as compared to tacrolimus.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis- Camouflage Entity in Eastern Nepal: A Case Series

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a sight-threatening corneal infection and is a growing clinical problem in the world. Though Acanthamoeba keratitis is considered uncommon and rarely reported in Nepal, we encountered six cases in 2019. All patients had redness, photophobia, decreased vision, and pain with ring infiltrate. Ten percent potassium hydroxide mount revealed Acanthamoeba cyst in all cases. Non-nutrient agar overladen with Escherichia coli revealed feeding tracks and Polymerase Chain Reaction revealed T4 genotype Acanthamoeba in four cases. Amoebicidal treatment was started with chlorhexidine 0.02% eye drop half-hourly and supplementary treatment included moxifloxacin eye drop, a combination of polymyxin B sulfate, neomycin sulfate, and bacitracin eye ointment. After treatment, one patient had the best-corrected visual acuity of 6/9 while others had a visual outcome of hand movement. A high level of clinical suspicion and wet mount examination of specimen from infected corneal tissue are essential to aid in rapid diagnosis.

In-Situ Forming Polymeric Drug Delivery Systems for Ophthalmic Use: An Overview

Delivery of drug into the ocular region is hindered by the protective layers that encapsulate the eyes, it has always been a major problem to get an effective bioavailability of the active drug in the ocular region due to the low precorneal resident time of most of the ocular delivery systems specifically convention once such as ointment, solution and suspension, as a result, most of the delivery systems are not capable of effectively treating ocular diseases. Several works have and are being carried out to overcome this problem one of which is using in-situ forming polymeric systems. Ocular In-situ gelling systems are a novel class of ocular drug delivery systems that are initially in a solution form but instantaneously gets converted into a viscous gel upon introduction or installation in the ocular cavity from which the active drugs get released in a sustained manner. This sol-to-gel phase transition depends upon various factors like change in pH, ion presence and change in temperature. Gel formed after the transformation has preferred viscosity along with bio-adhesive property, which increases the gel’s resident time in the ocular area and also releases the drug in a prolonged and sustained manner unlike conventional eye drops and ointments. This review emphasizes various ocular in-situ systems namely, pH triggered, Ion activated, and Temperature triggered systems which have prolonged residence time in the cul-de-sac area of the eye, hence increasing the ocular bioavailability.&#x0D; Keywords: In-situ gel, Ocular Drug delivery, Ocular Bioavailability, Polymer

Essential Newborns Nursing Care at Maternity and Pediatric Hospitals

Background: Newborn health and survival depend on the care given to the newborn, although newborncare is a very essential element in reducing child mortality; it is often receives less than Optimum attentionin maternal and child health programmers.1Objective: To assess Nurses’ Knowledge Regarding Essential Newborn Care.Method: Descriptive cross-sectional hospital based study was conducted from January 2021 – Abril 2021at Bint al-Huda Teaching Hospitals. The sample included 35 nurses who agreed to participate in thisstudy. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaire, questionnaire divided into two partsdemographic characteristics, and midwives nurses’ knowledge regarding essential newborn care. Statisticdata was analyzed by computer using statistical package for social sciences SPSS19 program and presentedin simple tables and figuresResult: In this research, (82.86%) of respondents interpreted newborn age correctly. is one of the componentsof worm chain. (51.43%) knew that the breast-feeding should be initiated within an hour and 60% of nursesknew that breastfeeding should be on demand. About (74.29%) of nurses identified immunization that takenat birth. Only (11.43%) of nurses was known that vitamin K at birth can be taken orally and intramuscularly.Around (25.72%) of nurses are conscious of the value of applying eye ointment for conjunctivitis prevention.Conclusions: At birth, infant immunization was (74.29 %), breast-feeding (55.42 %), cord care (75.99 %),thermal care (80.95 %), eye care (58.09 %) and vitamin K (61.43 %). The overall awareness of nurses wasstrong, with (70.88 %).

Appraising the Competency of Lipid Nano-Platforms as Non-invasive Paradigms for the Treatment of Ocular Inflammations: A review

Ocular inflammation is one of the common ophthalmic disorders triggered by different underlying causes and affecting both anterior and posterior segments of the eye. The functional barriers within the eye greatly impede the efficient ocular drug delivery, and hence the efficient relief of inflammation. The conventional treatment approaches are often limited to the topical applications of eye solutions, suspensions or ointments, in addition to the intravitreal injections in case of diffuse inflammatory conditions. These strategies suffer from poor patient acceptance and compliance because of their ineffectiveness and lack of safety. During the past few decades, a research attention was focused on the development of innovative ophthalmic dosage forms. Lipid nano-platforms had particular importance in drug delivery in terms of safety, biocompatibility, sustainment of drug release, enhancement of drug bioavailability, and hence patient compliance. This review attempts to highlight the current state of lipid-based nanocarriers as a promising non-invasive approach in the management of superficial and diffuse ocular inflammations with special emphasis on their reported outcomes, and also to focus on future perspectives to fill the gaps in this area.

Medical management of pediculosis palpebrarum

: To know the efficacy of only conservative management without manual removal of adult parasite in treatment of pediculosis palpebrarum.: Seventeen patients with pediculosis palpebrarum underwent health education on personal hygiene, avoid overcrowding, counseling and psychotherapy. Deparasitisation of associated axillary and pubic area with Permethrin 1% cream application two courses at weeks gap. Washing clothes and linen in hot water. Face wash with shampoo lotion and simultaneously rubbing of the eye for 1-2 minutes thrice daily. Topically Antibiotic - steroid drops and ointment thrice daily for 6 weeks. No manual removal of adult parasite, epilation or trimming of the eye lashes was done.: The mean age of patient is 19.5 +/- 13.4 years. Male: Female ratio was 10:7. Mean duration of symptom is 13.+/-6.6 weeks. Commonest presentation was itching in all patients. 82.3% (14/17) patients had bilateral involvement of both upper and lower lids with associated pubic and axillary area infestation. By 1 week all had resolution of symptoms and on 3 week 82.3% (14/17) free from infestation. (3 dropout) only discomfort was transient blurring of vision due to eye ointment.: Conservative management without manual removal of adult parasite is equally effective in treating pediculosis palpebrarum. Acceptable to children, anxious and non cooperative patients. It wiil avoid the discomfort to patients, complications of sedation and local side effects of topical parasiticidal agents. Only side effect was transient blurring of vision due to eye ointment.

First case of Phthirus pubis and Demodex co-infestation of the eyelids: a case report

BackgroundPhthirus pubis is an obligate parasite of human beings. Demodex spp. is a much more common parasite of human beings. However, P. pubis infestation accompanied by Demodex mite infestation in eye has not been reported.Case presentationWe report the first case of Phthirus pubis and Demodex co-infestation on a 48-years-old woman. She presented to the hospital with itching and burning at her right eye for 2 weeks. Slit lamp examination revealed multiple nits and adults of P. pubis anchored to both upper and lower eyelashes. Eyelashes were trimmed, moxifloxacin eye ointment and fluorometholone eye drops were initiated daily. However, itching didn’t improve after 2 weeks of treatment. Light microscopy examination of eyelashes revealed infestation with Demodex. The patient was treated with lid scrubs with 25% tea tree oil daily for 4 weeks and was completely cured.ConclusionOur report shows the importance of an early and comprehensive diagnosis, because both phthiriasis palpebrarum and demodicosis can be confused with blepharitis.

Patient Satisfaction and Management of Postoperative Complications Following Ablative Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing of the Lower Eyelids.

To describe postoperative management following ablative carbon dioxide laser resurfacing of the lower eyelids. A retrospective review of patients who consecutively underwent bilateral lower eyelid ablative carbon dioxide laser resurfacing by a single experienced oculoplastic surgeon over a 6-year period was conducted. Patient satisfaction, aesthetic outcomes, and postoperative complications were evaluated as adjunctive or monotherapy. Among 424 patients included in the study, most were female (n = 356, 84.0%) and Caucasian (n = 404, 95.3%), with Fitzpatrick skin types II-III (n = 381, 89.9%). Mean age was 62.8 years (standard deviation: 9.7 years). Most (n = 324, 76.4%) underwent fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser resurfacing of the lower eyelids, whereas 91 (21.5%) received traditional laser resurfacing and 9 (2.1%) had both fractional and traditional laser resurfacing during the same session. At the time of lower eyelid laser resurfacing, most patients also underwent concurrent procedures, including upper (n = 321, 75.7%) and lower blepharoplasty (n = 348, 82.1%); a small proportion of patients (n = 39, 9.2%) did not undergo any concurrent surgical procedure. In addition to ablative laser resurfacing of the lower eyelids, 25 (5.9%) had upper eyelid laser resurfacing, 60 (14.2%) had full-face laser resurfacing, 55 (13.0%) had neck laser resurfacing, and 42 (9.9%) had additional treatment of solar lentigines or dyschromias on the face. Median follow-up duration was 3.9 months (interquartile range: 2.0-11.0 months). In the immediate postoperative period, 22 patients (5.2%) developed contact dermatitis from topical antibiotic eye drops and/or ointment prescribed postblepharoplasty. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was observed in 40 patients (9.4%) despite topical prophylaxis; all were eventually successfully treated with a combination of topical nonprescription and prescription creams and/or oral tranexamic acid. A localized herpetic outbreak occurred in 3 (0.7%) who underwent full-face laser resurfacing and 1 (0.2%) who underwent periocular laser resurfacing only; all were successfully treated with oral antiviral therapy. Two (0.5%) developed culture-proven atypical mycobacterial infection of the resurfaced lower eyelid skin and were treated with combination antibiotic therapy for several months until resolution. A small scar was noted in 4 patients (0.9%), which resolved after local corticosteroid injections. No patient developed persistent scarring or ectropion. Patient satisfaction was overall high, with 363 (85.6%) very satisfied and 48 (11.3%) satisfied with the aesthetic outcome of lower eyelid laser resurfacing. Ablative carbon dioxide laser resurfacing of the lower eyelids can be a useful tool in the armamentarium of the experienced oculoplastic surgeon, with excellent aesthetic results, high patient satisfaction, and low complication rates as adjunctive or monotherapy. Proper and timely management of postoperative complications is essential to maximizing successful cosmetic outcomes.

A deviant behaviour of squamous cell carcinoma of eyelid: Rare case report

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant tumour of the squamous cell layer of the epidermis accounting for about 9.2% of all eyelid malignancies. We report a case of a 45 year old female patient presented with itching, sticky discharge and swelling over the right upper eyelid (RUL) for 20 days. Initially, it was diagnosed as a case of blepharitis of Right Eye and antibiotic eye ointment and lubricants were prescribed. And 2 months later she presented with a mass over the same site. Past history of trauma, burn and chronic exposure to sunlight was absent. Examination revealed a mass of 1.25cm -1.50cm width &amp; 1cm - 1.25cm in height approximately, shape was irregular &amp; firm in consistency. Eyelid margin contour was lost with loss of eyelashes. Other ocular structures were within normal limits. No associated lymphadenopathy was noted. Incisional biopsy of the mass was suggestive of moderately differentiated SCC. Wide excision of the mass was done. Full thickness defect of the upper eyelid was reconstructed with Cutler - Beard technique. : Wide variation at presentation, delay in diagnosis and high propensity to recur with risk of perineural spread leads to difficulty in management. Therefore, any suspicious lesion eyelid lesion should be excised and biopsied.

Complete eyelid loss due to dog bite: A rare presentation

A 46-year-old male presented with a history of dog bite to the left eye. Examination revealed complete loss of the left upper eyelid with loss of the upper punctum and the surrounding tissue with extensive tissue damage. Anterior segment examination revealed an irregular epithelial defect, and the rest of the findings were unremarkable. After a thorough assessment and cleaning, anti-rabies immunoglobulin injection was given around the wound and anti-rabies vaccination schedule was started. Locally the eye was covered with plastic shield to prevent exposure after instillation of homatropine eye drop as a cycloplegic and chloramphenicol eye ointment as a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Systemically amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and metronidazole was started. Daily dressing was done for about a week. Once signs of healing were seen, the patient was posted for multi-step lid transplantation.

A clinical study examining the effectiveness of topical tacrolimus 0.03% eye ointment for vernal keratoconjunctivitis

A clinical study examining the effectiveness of topical tacrolimus 0.03% eye ointment for vernal keratoconjunctivitis

A comparative study of efficacy, tolerability and safety of 0.03% tacrolimus eye ointment and 0.05% cyclosporin eye drops in the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis

Background: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a common, chronic, bilateral, recurrent, allergic, inflammatory disease of the ocular surface primarily affecting young males in dry, hot climates such as India.Objectives: To compare the efficacy, tolerability and safety of 0.03% tacrolimus eye ointment and 0.05% cyclosporin eye drops in the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Methods: A prospective study of 72 patients conducted from December 2017 to February 2021. After having established a diagnosis of VKC and fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria, participants were divided into two groups. Group 1 was put on cyclosporin eye drops and group 2 was put on tacrolimus eye ointment. Detailed history and evaluation for symptoms, signs, visual acuity and IOP was done on first visit and subsequently after 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. Results: 72 patients were diagnosed to have VKC, of whom males were 86% and females 13.9%, all belonging to the age group 5 to 14 years and were divided into two groups. Both the groups showed significant reduction in the symptoms and signs with no significant difference in efficacy between the groups and they maintained normal IOP and visual acuity at 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks.Conclusion: Both the immunomodulators were equally successful in resolving the signs and symptoms of VKC, tolerable with no significant adverse effects and proved to be a safer alternative to steroids as they caused no elevation of intraocular pressure or any complications associated with the use of steroids.

Public Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception Toward Conventional and Novel Ocular Treatment in Malaysia.

ABSTRACTOne of the major concerns in any pharmacological treatment is the patients’ adherence to medication. However, different types of ocular dosage forms might result in different response and compliance from the patients. This study investigated and compared public willingness on different types of dosage forms available for ocular treatment. The study also evaluated their willingness on new approach for the treatment based on their knowledge, attitude, and perception. This study was conducted between October and December 2017 through a set of questionnaires applied to 90 respondents between the age of 18 and 60 years who lived in Muar and Kuantan, Malaysia. The results were analyzed using SPSS software version 22.0 including inferential and descriptive statistics. There was no significant difference in the knowledge level between all age groups towards different types of dosage forms available; eye drops (P = 0.09), eye ointment (P = 0.252), medicated contact lens (P = 0.05), ocular mini-tablets (P = 0.06), and ocular inserts (P = 0.075). There is a variation of results among the public towards different types of dosage forms with their willingness to try conventional and novel approach. Eye drops show the highest willingness followed by eye ointment (less willingness). However, most of them showed no willingness towards medicated contact lens, ocular mini-tablets, and ocular insert. This research hopes to provide an overview on the development process of new formulation and dosage forms based on the patients’ willingness level in an attempt to increase patient compliance.