Azithromycin 1.5% ophthalmic solution: efficacy and treatment modalities in chronic blepharitis.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of topical 1.5% azithromycin in the treatment of moderate to severe chronic blepharitis and to compare the efficacy of two different treatment modalities. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial included 67 patients with chronic anterior and/or posterior blepharitis, followed-up for 3 months. Signs and symptoms were graded according to severity. Patients were randomized into two groups: 33 patients in group I and 34 patients in group II. Group I patients were treated with topical 1.5% azithromycin twice a day for three days, and Group II patients were treated with topical 1.5% azithromycin twice a day for three days then at bedtime for the rest of the month. All patients were instructed to apply warm compresses and an eye-friendly soap twice daily. RESULTS: Patients in both groups tolerated the treatment with minimal irritation. A significant improvement in signs and symptoms was noted at the one week follow-up visit. Group II showed a more pronounced and longer-lasting improvement that persisted after three months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Topical 1.5% azithromycin ophthalmic solution is an effective treatment option for chronic blepharitis. In moderate to severe blepharitis, a one month treatment is safe and shows better improvement than the three-day protocol with no significant relapse until three months of follow-up.

Azithromycin 1.5% ophthalmic solution: efficacy and treatment modalities in chronic blepharitis / Solução oftálmica de azitromicina 1,5%: eficácia e modalidades de tratamento em blefarite crônica

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of topical 1.5% azithromycin in the treatment of moderate to severe chronic blepharitis and to compare the efficacy of two different treatment modalities. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial included 67 patients with chronic anterior and/or posterior blepharitis, followed-up for 3 months. Signs and symptoms were graded according to severity. Patients were randomized into two groups: 33 patients in group I and 34 patients in group II. Group I patients were treated with topical 1.5% azithromycin twice a day for three days, and Group II patients were treated with topical 1.5% azithromycin twice a day for three days then at bedtime for the rest of the month. All patients were instructed to apply warm compresses and an eye-friendly soap twice daily. RESULTS: Patients in both groups tolerated the treatment with minimal irritation. A significant improvement in signs and symptoms was noted at the one week follow-up visit. Group II showed a more pronounced and longer-lasting improvement that persisted after three months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Topical 1.5% azithromycin ophthalmic solution is an effective treatment option for chronic blepharitis. In moderate to severe blepharitis, a one month treatment is safe and shows better improvement than the three-day protocol with no significant relapse until three months of follow-up.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia do uso tópico de azitromicina 1,5% no tratamento de blefarite crônica moderada a grave, comparando a eficácia de duas diferentes modalidades de tratamento. MÉTODOS: Um ensaio clínico randomizado incluiu 67 pacientes com blefarite anterior e/ou posterior crônica, acompanhados por três meses. Os sinais e sintomas foram classificados de acordo com a gravidade. Os pacientes foram randomizados em dois grupos: 33 pacientes no grupo I e 34 pacientes no grupo II. Os pacientes do grupo I foram tratados com azitromicina tópica 1,5% duas vezes ao dia durante três dias, e os pacientes do grupo II foram tratados com azitromicina tópica 1,5% duas vezes ao dia durante três dias e, em seguida, ao deitar, durante o resto do mês. Todos os pacientes foram instruídos a aplicarem compressas quentes e higiene palpebral duas vezes ao dia. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes em ambos os grupos toleraram o tratamento com irritação mínima. Melhora significativa dos sinais e sintomas foi observada na visita de uma semana de acompanhamento. Grupo II mostrou uma melhora mais acentuada e mais duradoura que persistiu após três meses de acompanhamento. CONCLUSÕES: A solução de azitromicina oftálmica tópica 1,5% é uma opção eficaz de tratamento para a blefarite crônica. Em blefarite moderada a grave, o tratamento de um mês é seguro e demonstrou melhora acentuada em relação ao protocolo de três dias, sem recidiva significante até três meses de acompanhamento.

Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy: clinical results.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness, safety, and comfort of transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using the Amaris laser platform. SETTING: Ophthalmic Consultants of Beirut, Jal-El-Dib, Metn, Lebanon. DESIGN: Comparative case series. METHODS: Myopic eyes with or without astigmatism were treated by transepithelial PRK (study group) and compared with variable-adjusted eyes treated by conventional PRK (control group) during which the epithelium was removed with alcohol. Postoperative pain, epithelial healing time, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), manifest refraction, and haze were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean subjective postoperative pain score (out of 10, indicating worst pain) at 48 hours was 2.0 in the study group (50 eyes) and 4.5 in the control group (50 eyes) (P=.02). The mean time to complete epithelial healing was 2.5 days ± 0.6 (SD) and 3.7 ± 0.8 days, respectively (P=.01). At 1 week, the UDVA was statistically significantly better in the control group; however, at 3 months, there was no statistically significant difference in UDVA, corrected distance visual acuity, or manifest refraction between the groups. Haze was significantly less in the study group (P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: Transepithelial PRK for mild to moderate myopia with or without astigmatism was safe and easier to perform than conventional PRK, and patients had less pain, less postoperative haze, and a faster healing time. The visual outcomes with the 2 techniques were comparable. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.