Abstract
Purpose :
To evaluate the effect of topical preservative-free dexamethasone 0.1% (Monopex, Théa Laboratories) in conjunction with artificial tear drops in the treatment of dry eye disease (DED).
Methods :
Data from patients who received Monopex treatment at the Norwegian Dry Eye Clinic were analyzed. In addition to daily artificial tears use, Monopex instillation was prescribed thrice-daily with gradual tapering over two weeks. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5), Schirmer test (ST), fluorescein tear film break-up time (FBUT), ocular surface staining (OSS), meibum expressibility (ME), meibum quality (MQ), number of expressible meibomian glands among the central eight glands in the lower lids (NMG), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were collected at baseline and at one month follow-up. The average values of clinical parameters from both eyes were used for analyses. A paired t-test and a significance value of p<0.05 were used for statistical analyses. Associations between sex, age, baseline values and the changes after the treatment (Δ) were explored using linear regression.
Results :
A total of 167 patients (124 women, mean age 54 ± 17 years) were included. One month after the treatment initiation, OSDI and DEQ5 scores were improved from 39.5 ± 22.1 to 31.4 ± 21.3 (p<0.001) and from 12.6 ± 4.2 to 11.0 ± 4.6 (p<0.001), respectively. OSS had improved from 2.2 ± 1.4 to 1.8 ± 1.5 (p<0.001), NMG increased from 4.8 ± 2.2 to 5.1 ± 2.2 (p<0.05), while IOP declined from 12.9 ± 3.3 to 12.4 ± 3.5 mmHg (p<0.05). The other tests did not show statistically significant change. ΔOSDI was associated with baseline OSDI (b=-0.645, p<0.001). ΔFBUT was associated with ST (b=0.08, p<0.001) and baseline FBUT (b=-0.53, p<0.001). ΔOSS was associated with baseline OSS (b=-0.326, p<0.001). ΔNMG was associated with baseline NMG (b=-0.449, p<0.001). ΔMQ was associated with baseline MQ (b=-0.456, p<0.001). ΔDEQ5 was associated with baseline DEQ5 (b=-0.297, p<0.05).
Conclusions :
Instillation of dexamethasone 0.1% in conjunction with artificial tears proved to be effective in treating dry eye disease, leading to improved dry eye symptoms, decreased ocular surface staining and improved secretion of meibomian glands. Worse OSDI, DEQ5, FBUT, OSS, and MQ were associated with a greater improvement in the respective parameters after treatment.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.