Preservative-free low-dose dexamethasone for the treatment of chronic ocular surface disease refractory to standard therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the short-term safety and efficacy of topical preservative-free dexamethasone 0.01% for the treatment of ocular surface disease and/or tearing refractory to conventional treatments.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review of all patients who received topical unpreserved dexamethasone 0.01% (Leiters Pharmacy, San Jose, CA). Follow-up visits were reviewed for subjective responses to the formulation and intraocular pressure. Responses were graded as significant/complete resolution of symptoms (50%-100% improvement), mild (25%-50% improvement), or no improvement.


RESULTS
Thirty-one patients received topical unpreserved dexamethasone 0.01% for the treatment of ocular surface disease. Follow up ranged from 4 to 60 months (average, 11.5 weeks). Twenty patients (65%) reported moderate or complete resolution of ocular symptoms. Seven patients (22%) had mild improvement in their symptoms. Four patients (13%) had no change in ocular symptoms. No patient in our series developed an elevation of intraocular pressure greater than 5 mm Hg above baseline intraocular pressure. No patient developed intraocular pressure greater than 22 mm Hg.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical nonpreserved 0.01% dexamethasone could be an effective therapy for recalcitrant chronic ocular surface disease.
Jonisch
Jonathan
J
From North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Department of Ophthalmology, Great Neck, NY 11021, USA.
Steiner
Anne
A
Udell
Ira J
IJ
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001762:Blepharitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007637:Keratoconjunctivitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D003907:Dexamethasone