Randomized double-masked trial of eyelid cleansing treatments for blepharitis.

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of a dedicated eyelid cleanser and diluted baby shampoo in the management of blepharitis.

Methods: Forty-three participants with clinical blepharitis signs were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-masked, paired-eye trial. A dedicated eyelid cleanser (TheraTears SteriLid) was applied to the eyelids of one eye (randomized) and diluted baby shampoo (Johnson's No More Tears) to the fellow eye, twice daily for 4 weeks. Tear film parameters, ocular surface characteristics, symptomology and cytology markers were assessed at baseline and day 28.

Results: Baseline measurements did not differ between treatments (all p > 0.05). The eyelid cleanser was preferred over baby shampoo by the majority of participants (p < 0.001). Improvements in the tear lipid layer, inferior lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE), cylindrical collarettes, and MMP-9 expression were limited to the dedicated eyelid cleanser (all p < 0.05), and a greater decrease in SANDE symptoms score was also observed (p = 0.04). Meibomian gland capping and MUC5AC expression worsened with baby shampoo treatment (both p < 0.05). SPEED symptoms score, superior LWE, seborrhoeic lash crusting, and trichiasis decreased significantly following application of both treatments (all p < 0.05), but did not differ between treatments (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Clinical improvements in blepharitis occurred with both treatments. However, only the dedicated eyelid cleanser proved effective in reducing ocular surface inflammation, and was the preferred therapy. Long term impact of decreased goblet cell function secondary to baby shampoo treatment requires further exploration.