Randomized trial of topical periocular castor oil treatment for blepharitis.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of topical castor oil application to the eyelids on ocular surface and tear film parameters in patients with blepharitis.

Methods: Twenty-six participants (14 females, 12 males; mean ± SD age, 38 ± 21 years) with clinical signs of blepharitis were enrolled in a prospective, investigator-masked, randomized, paired-eye trial. A 100% cold pressed castor oil formulation (Lotus Garden Botanicals, Biddeford, ME, USA) was applied to the eyelids of one eye (randomized), twice daily for 4 weeks.