Meibomian gland disease therapy eased by kit

Key Points

Roslyn Heights, NY-A new product (NutriDox Convenience Kit, Advanced Vision Research) is designed to make the treatment of meibomitis, posterior blepharitis, and meibomian gland disease more convenient for patients and clinicians. The prescription-only system, introduced in late 2008, includes an antibiotic, nutrition therapy, and a lid-cleansing component.

Boosting adherence

"The name of the kit sums it up. Meibomian gland dysfunction is a disorder of inconvenience that is annoying to the patient," Dr. Epstein said. "Anything that can be done to make treatment more convenient is likely to improve patient compliance and decrease patient resistance to treatment."

'Wonder' drug

The dose of doxycycline is effective, he said, adding that in his clinical experience, it does not result in stomach upset or substantial changes in the intestinal flora.

Some discussion about the importance of the antibiotic effects has occurred, Dr. Epstein said. "There are some data that show that even resistant Staphylococcus on the lids succumbs to constant treatment with doxycycline. This is a wonder drug in that it has anti-inflammatory properties and prevents polymorphonuclear leukocyte migration," he said. "In patients with surface disease and staining, doxycycline actually helps. It also helps the body produce less saturated oils and is considered a natural solution to a disease process."

So far in Dr. Epstein's experience with doxycycline monohydrate, he said, the patient response varies with the disease severity, but improvement in symptoms is seen almost universally in about 10 days, and most patients begin to feel relief from the burning and discomfort associated with meibomian gland dysfunction much more quickly than 10 days. That improvement increases with continued use of doxycycline monohydrate over 3 weeks to 1 month, he added.