Treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca with topical androgen.
OBJECTIVE
Androgens have been reported to influence lipid production of sebaceous glands and even many ocular tissues. The effect of topical androgen therapy on a 54-year-old patient with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and decreased lipid phase of the tear film is reported.


METHODS
For assessment of the lipid phase of the tear film, break up time (BUT) and lipid layer thickness (LLT) were monitored during 6 months before treatment as well as 3 months while using a daily topical androgen therapy.


RESULTS
During the topical androgen therapy the pathological lipid phase of the tear film was completely restored indicated by the normalisation of the values of BUT and LLT.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings are consistent with animal experiments indicating that topical administered androgen can restore the decreased lipid phase of the tear film. This may open up new therapeutic strategies for KCS.
Worda
C
C
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Vienna University Hospital, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria. christof.worda@akh-wien.ac.at
Nepp
J
J
Huber
J C
JC
Sator
M O
MO
D000287:Administration, Topical; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007638:Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013739:Testosterone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood
D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D013739:Testosterone