Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy of topical ivermectin-metronidazole combined therapy in the
management of Demodex-associatedblepharitis.
Methods
Sixty patients with a diagnosis of Demodex-associatedblepharitis were recruited in a randomized clinical trial. Thirty receiving
topical ivermectin (0.1%)-metronidazole (1%) gel treatment on days 0, 15 and 30. Thirty
additional patients were used as a control group receiving vehicle on days 0, 15 and
30. The primary efficacy measure was the number of Demodex spp. mitesin the eyelashes of patients. The secondary outcomes included clinical
improvement of signs and adverse events.
Results
Complete eradication of Demodex spp. was found in 96.6% of patients in the treatment group. Furthermore, a significant
reduction of inflammation signs were found in all treated patients versus controls.
None of the patients experienced any adverse effects associated with the treatment.
Conclusion
Demodex infection was controlled satisfactorily with the ivermectin (0.1%)-metronidazole
(1%) gel, and no adverse effects were observed. Application of this gel for the treatment
of different parasitic infections of the eyelids could be feasible, and this requires
further exploration.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 24, 2020
Accepted:
April 21,
2020
Received in revised form:
April 20,
2020
Received:
March 7,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 British Contact Lens Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
