Clinical trial NCT01456780
Conditions: Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Posterior Blepharitis
Keywords: Meibomian gland dysfunction Blepharitis Dry Eye Ocular Inflammation MGD Zylet Lotemax Artificial Tear
Sponsor: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Start date: 2011-08-01; Completion date: 2017-06-01
Enrollment: 60 participants; Allocation: RANDOMIZED; Intervention model: PARALLEL

Brief summary:
This is a Phase IV, single site, randomized, double masked, parallel control clinical trial of 60 subjects to investigate the variance of efficacy between Lotemax® and Zylet® for treatment of ocular surface inflammation due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Efficacy will be measured by in-vivo confocal microscopy, corneal fluorescein staining, grading of meibomian gland dysfunction and validated ocular symptom assessment questionnaire.

Detailed description:
Posterior blepharitis is a common chronic eyelid condition that is described as generalized inflammation of the posterior lid margin and associated with inflammation of the ocular surface and with symptoms of burning, irritation, and discomfort. Posterior blepharitis is associated with various disorders of the meibomian glands, known collectively as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). It is associated either with obstruction and inflammation of the meibomian glands or, less commonly, atrophy of the meibomian glands.

Clinically, MGD often presents with inspissated meibomian glands, oily tear film, as well as inflammation and vascularization of the meibomian gland orifices. Papillary hypertrophy of the tarsal conjunctiva and corneal punctate epitheliopathy are often present, and there are prominent associations with dermatoses, such as acne rosacea, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis. Evidence from several sources suggests that MGD of sufficient extent and degree is associated with a deficient tear lipid layer, an increase in tear evaporation, and the occurrence of an evaporative dry eye. In fact MGD is considered to be the most common cause of evaporative dry eye. Individuals with MGD often complain of significant discomfort, including burning, itching, irritation, and photophobia. They may also have other associated symptoms of dry eye and may be plagued by blurred vision, gradual contact lens intolerance. Furthermore, these patients may become functionally handicapped by the negative impact of dry eye on their crucial daily activities such as working, reading, using computer, and driving.

Despite the high incidence of posterior blepharitis, there is currently no consistently effective treatment for this condition and it still remains a therapeutic challenge. Posterior blepharitis has traditionally been managed with eyelid hygiene, topical antibiotics (erythromycin or bacitracin ointments), oral tetracyclines (tetracycline, doxycycline, or minocycline) and corticosteroids which are often time consuming, frustrating, and frequently ineffective or variably effective.

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of topical loteprednol (corticosteroid) vs. the combination of loteprednol and tobramycin (corticosteroid and antibiotic) against an artificial tear. It is critical to determine to what extent the addition of an antibiotic to a topical steroid can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the treatment.

Arms: arm 1: Subject randomized to this arm will be treated with Zylet (Loteprednol/tobramycin), twice a day, for 4 weeks. Zylet is a combination of loteprednol and tobramycin. Loteprednol is in a class of drugs called corticosteroids. Loteprednol inhibits processes in the body that cause inflammation. Tobramycin is an antibiotic. arm 2: Subject randomized to this arm will be treated with Lotemax, twice a day, for 4 weeks. Lotemax is also known as loteprednol. Loteprednol is in a class of drugs called corticosteroids. Loteprednol inhibits processes in the body that cause inflammation. arm 3: Subject randomized to this arm will be treated with B+L Advanced Eye Relief Lubricant Eye Drops (Artificial Tears), twice a day, for 4 weeks.
Interventions: intervention 1: Loteprednol/tobramycin intervention 2: Loteprednol intervention 3: B+L Advanced Eye Relief Lubricant Drop
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: Zylet (loteprednol/tobramycin) drops, 1 drop twice a day for 4 weeks. intervention 2: Eye drops, 1 drop twice a day for 4 weeks intervention 3: Bausch + Lomb (B+L) Advanced Eye Relief Lubricant Drop (Artificial Tears), 1 drop twice a day for 4 weeks.

Protocol documents: