Abstract
Purpose
To determine the indirect ocular effects of facially applied metranidazole in rosacea.
Methods
In this prospective study, 20 patients with ocular rosacea and 10 normal reference subjects were involved. Ten patients with ocular rosacea were treated with topical metranidazole for 8 weeks and the other 10 patients with ocular rosacea were observed as controls. Study parameters included impression cytology from upper-bulbar conjunctiva (UBC) and inferonasal-interpalpebral conjunctiva (IPC), tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer tests, and ocular symptoms and signs.
Results
Both UBC and IPC of ocular rosacea patients before treatment showed Grade 1 or greater advanced changes in comparison with the normal eyes. After 8 weeks of facial metranidazole application, improvements in ocular signs and symptoms were observed. TBUT increased to 10.1±2.8 seconds from 6.4±2.7 seconds (p<0.01). Schirmer test values of treated patients and of normal subjects were statistically comparable (p>0.05).
Conclusion
Facial application of topical metranidazole had an indirect treating effect on ocular rosacea.
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The authors have stated that they do not have a significant financial interest or other relationship with any product manufacturer or provider of services discussed in this article. The authors also do not discuss the use of off-label products, which includes, unlabeled, unapproved, or investigative products or devices.
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Koçak-Altintas, A.G., Koçak-Midillioglu, I., Gul, U. et al. Effects of topical metranidazole in ocular rosacea. Ann Ophthalmol 37, 77–84 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1385/AO:37:2:077
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/AO:37:2:077