Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effects of topical azithromycin on signs, symptoms and self-management of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Methods: Forty participants were assessed for MGD and its effect on the fluorescein tear break-up time (FTBUT). Participants were treated with topical azithromycin twice daily for 2 weeks and then once daily for a further 2 weeks. One year after treatment, 31 participants completed a survey assessing pre- and post-treatment effect on symptoms, lifestyle and self-treatment methods.
Results: Following treatment, there was a significant reduction in MGD grading from a median of grade 2 to grade 0 (z = 4.40, p < 0.0001) and an increase in FTBUT from a median of 3-8 s (z = 4.75, p < 0.0001). One year afterwards, the survey showed a significant improvement in symptoms (sensitivity to light, grittiness, burning, blurred vision, all p < 0.03) and reduction in required self-treatments (lid wipes, tear substitutes, both p < 0.03). There was also a reduced impact on lifestyle (reading, night driving, computer use and watching television, all p < 0.0001) and in all environmental conditions (all p < 0.0001).
Conclusions: This study confirms the positive effect of topical azithromycin on MGD and shows it has a long-term impact on symptoms, self-treatment methods and lifestyle. This has implications for both chair time and healthcare costs when managing patients with MGD. Pending further clinical trials in a larger population with different demographics, topical azithromycin should be considered by all eyecare practitioners as a viable pharmacological treatment when managing MGD.
Keywords: dry eye; meibomian gland dysfunction; topical azithromycin.
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