More BrandsDry eye is one of the most common complaints associated with contact lens wear. The leading cause of this condition is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), but it seems there is a widely used antibiotic that can help address the problem. The potential new treatment has been identified by US researchers and involves the use of azithromycin.
The discovery belongs to a team of researchers from the Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School. They have found that this common antibiotic has a stimulating effect on human meibomian gland epithelial cells. While topical azithromycin is the go-to treatment for MGD, it is not approved in the US for this particular condition. There is the presumption that it would be effective due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect. Such actions could suppress the conjunctival inflammation and lid bacteria growth associated with MGD.
According to the study report, which has been published online in JAMA Ophthalmology, the research team set to work on the hypothesis that azithromycin could have a direct effect on human meibomian gland epithelial cells. It would stimulate the cells’ differentiation, increase the quality and quantity of lipid production and boost holocrine secretion. This hypothesis was supported by the research results, senior report author David A. Sullivan said.
The researchers are hoping that their findings would promote the broader use of the antibiotic in cases of MGD and its regulatory approval as a treatment for this particular condition. This would mean that doctors have an “on-label” choice when faced with cases of evaporative dry eye disease as a result of MGD.
