The Role Of Lid Hygiene And Its Effect On Ocular Surface Inflammatory Biomarkers
Published 2025 - 43rd Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: PP06.07 | Type: Poster | DOI: 10.82333/2r2t-zr92
Authors: Deepthi R H* 1 , Rohit Shetty 1 , Pooja M Khamar 1 , Abha D Shah 1 , Swaminathan Sethu 2
1Cataract & Refractive Surgery,Narayana Nethralaya,Bangalore,India, 2GROW LAB,Narayana Nethralaya,Bangalore,India
Purpose
Several pathophysiologic mechanisms contribute to dry eye disease (DED). While modern management strategies focus primarily on the cornea and tear film, the periocular surface also plays a significant role. This study evaluates the impact of lid hygiene on ocular surface inflammatory biomarkers.
Setting
A single-center prospective study conducted in a clinical research setting.
Methods
Twenty subjects without active ocular symptoms were enrolled. Among them, 12 exhibited elevated inflammatory biomarkers. Baseline assessments included Schirmer’s test, non-invasive tear breakup time (NIBUT), lipid layer thickness (SBM keratography), and tear analysis for inflammatory biomarkers (MMP-9, IL-6, IL-1β, VEGF-A, IL-17A). The right eye (test) underwent lid scrubbing twice daily for seven days, while the left eye served as a control. After a three-day scrub-free period, the same assessments were repeated and analyzed.
Results
Following lid hygiene, lipid layer thickness improved from 15 nm to 50 nm. Mean levels of inflammatory biomarkers decreased as follows (pg/mL): MMP-9 (4.3L to 2.3L), IL-6 (103 to 50.2), IL-1β (8.42 to 4.68), VEGF-A (7577 to 5834), IL-17A (23.5 to 15). NIBUT improved significantly from 3.4 to 18.9 seconds (p-value < 0.05).
Conclusions
Lid hygiene is a simple, cost-effective intervention that improves ocular surface health by reducing inflammation. It should be an integral part of pre- and post-operative care for ocular surgeries.
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE:
The authors have no financial interest in the subject matter of this study.