Our Summary

The researchers examined existing studies to understand the role of oral antibiotics in treating a common eye disease, ocular surface disease (OSD), resulting from issues in the meibomian glands (glands in the eyelids). They looked at English-language research on doxycycline, minocycline, and azithromycin, finding 87 articles, but only eight met their review criteria. These studies showed improvement in OSD after treatment with these antibiotics, but side effects were also common. Despite this, the researchers concluded that there isn’t enough solid evidence to support the use of oral antibiotics in managing OSD. Therefore, more research is needed to determine if antibiotics are useful in treating OSD caused by meibomian gland disorders.

FAQs

  1. What is ocular surface disease (OSD) and what causes it?
  2. What types of antibiotics were examined in the research for treating OSD?
  3. Why did the researchers conclude that there isn’t enough evidence to support the use of oral antibiotics in managing OSD, despite improvements seen in studies?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about ocular surgery is to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include using prescribed eye drops, avoiding rubbing or touching the eyes, wearing protective eyewear, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. Proper care and compliance with post-operative instructions can help ensure a successful recovery and optimal outcomes following ocular surgery.

Suitable For

Patients with ocular surface disease (OSD) resulting from issues in the meibomian glands (glands in the eyelids) may be recommended ocular surgery if other treatments, such as oral antibiotics, do not provide sufficient relief or if the condition is severe and impacting the patient’s vision and quality of life. Additionally, patients with other ocular conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disorders, or refractive errors may also be recommended ocular surgery to improve their vision and overall eye health.

Timeline

  1. Consultation with an ophthalmologist: The patient will meet with an ophthalmologist to discuss their eye condition and determine if ocular surgery is necessary.

  2. Pre-operative testing: The patient may undergo several tests, such as a comprehensive eye exam, corneal topography, and measurements for intraocular lens placement.

  3. Surgery day: The patient will arrive at the surgical center or hospital for the procedure. They will be prepped for surgery and may receive anesthesia or numbing eye drops.

  4. Surgery: The ophthalmologist will perform the necessary surgical procedure, such as cataract surgery or LASIK, to correct the patient’s vision.

  5. Post-operative care: The patient will be monitored for a short period after surgery to ensure there are no immediate complications. They will receive instructions for at-home care and follow-up appointments.

  6. Recovery: The patient will experience some discomfort, blurry vision, and light sensitivity in the days following surgery. They may need to wear a protective eye shield and use prescribed eye drops to aid in healing.

  7. Follow-up appointments: The patient will return to the ophthalmologist for several follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and ensure the surgery was successful.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after ocular surgery involves consultation, pre-operative testing, surgery, post-operative care, recovery, and follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible outcome for their vision.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of ocular surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of the specific procedure being recommended?
  3. What is the recovery process like and how long does it typically take?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  5. How many times have you performed this specific surgery?
  6. What are the expected outcomes and how long will they last?
  7. What can I do to prepare for the surgery and maximize the chances of a successful outcome?
  8. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  9. How soon after the surgery can I resume normal activities, such as driving or working?
  10. Are there any long-term implications or considerations I should be aware of after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Wladis EJ, Bradley EA, Bilyk JR, Yen MT, Mawn LA. Journal: Ophthalmology. 2016 Mar;123(3):492-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2015.10.062. Epub 2015 Dec 23. PMID: 26707417