The Effect Of Antioxidant Supplement Use On Oxidative Stress And Ocular Surface Parameters In Ocular Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting approximately 10% of the population, with ocular involvement observed in 75% of affected individuals. While its pathophysiology remains complex and not fully elucidated, oxidative stress has recently been implicated as a key contributor to disease progression, and the potential therapeutic role of antioxidants has gained attention. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of antioxidant supplementation on systemic and ocular oxidative stress levels, as well as ocular surface parameters, in patients with ocular rosacea (OR).

Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey

This prospective study included 30 patients diagnosed with OR and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Baseline assessments included measurements of tear and serum total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), tear breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer-1 score, meiboscore (MBS), and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Patients received oral antioxidant supplementation (alpha-lipoic acid, 600 mg/day) for three months, with evaluations repeated at one and three months post-supplementation. Changes in oxidative stress markers and ocular surface parameters were analyzed and compared with baseline values and control group measurements.

At baseline, OR patients exhibited significantly altered oxidative stress markers and ocular surface parameters compared to controls (p<0.05). Following a month of antioxidant supplementation, TAS and TBUT significantly increased, while TOS, OSI, MBS, and OSDI showed a significant reduction (p<0.05). These improvements further progressed by the third month (p<0.05). No significant change was observed in Schirmer test scores at one month; however, a significant increase was noted at three months (p<0.05). After three months of supplementation, tear and serum oxidative stress markers in OR patients were comparable to those in healthy controls, whereas significant differences in ocular surface parameters persisted, exception the Schirmer test.

Antioxidant supplementation over a three-month period led to significant reductions in oxidative stress and improvements in ocular surface parameters in OR patients. Further studies are warranted to explore the long-term effects of antioxidant therapy and its potential role in the management of ocular rosacea.