Treatment of Blepharitis With Povidone-Iodine 1%

Blepharitis is a chronic and very common inflammation of the eyelid margin affecting patients of all ages. This condition can be categorized anatomically (anterior- skin and eyelashes, posterior- meibomian glands), and pathophysiologically (staphylococcal, seborrheic, parasitic [Demodex mites], and meibomian gland dysfunction [MGD]). Combined forms of the disease are not uncommon. Signs and symptoms include itching, redness, flaking, and crusting of the lids, along with ocular surface disturbances such as irritation, dryness, tearing, and corneal damage.

Since no definitive cure is available, treatment recommendations for blepharitis focus on management. They may include eyelid hygiene using warm compresses and scrubbing, topical corticosteroids, topical and oral antibiotics, and dietary adjustments.

Povidone-iodine (PVI) is a widely used antimicrobial agent. Utilization of PVI is prevalent in disinfection of the eye and surrounding skin before intraocular procedures such as cataract surgeries and intravitreal injections. The antiseptic properties of PVI enable it to effectively reduce ocular surface and conjunctival colonization of various pathogens. Therefore, novel uses of ocular PVI seem promising, and some were already assessed in clinical studies.

The optimal concentration of PVI is also a matter of debate. High concentration solutions (5-10%) have greater potency, yet they increase corneal endothelial and epithelial toxicity. Although they may require repeated applications, low concentration solutions (0.1-1%) were proven to be safer and effective and are widely utilized in some countries. However, data regarding the option of treating blepharitis with PVI are lacking, as no comparative or controlled studies have been published to date.

In this study, the aim is to investigate the efficacy of lid scrubbing with PVI 1% in the treatment of anterior blepharitis

This is a prospective, controlled, randomized, observer-masked study. The allocated eye will be specified in a sealed envelope, given to the patient upon recruitment to the study. All investigators will be masked to the treated eye for the duration of the study. The fellow eye will serve as the control. Before treatment initiation, all outcomes will be assessed (specified below). Eligible participants will be assigned to use 1% PVI once daily on either the right or left eye for 30 days. During the first week of treatment, patients will be called to ensure the correct eye is being treated. Patients will be instructed to clean the eyelids and lashes of the study eye with 1% PVI using makeup remover pads (will be supplied to patients). Following treatment, patients will remove residual PVI with a wet makeup pad. The fellow eye (control eye) will receive regular treatment for blepharitis: eyelashes cleansing with commercially available eyelid wipes. Patients will be invited to a follow-up examination after 30 days. All outcomes will be re-assessed after 30 days of treatment.