Optimal pulse technology combined with tobramycin and dexamethasone eye ointment in the treatment of blepharokeratoconjunctivitis: an impact on ocular surface disease index

Objective: This study aimed to unveil the impact of optimal pulse technology (OPT) combined with tobramycin and dexamethasone eye ointment on the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and related outcomes in patients with blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (BKC). Methods: Ninety-six BKC patients treated at our hospital from September 2022 to September 2023 were divided into a control group (n = 48) and an observation group (n = 48) by a random number table. Both groups received fluorometholone and sodium hyaluronate eye drops. The control group additionally applied tobramycin and dexamethasone eye ointment to the lid margin twice daily, while the observation group underwent OPT on this basis. The clinical efficacy and safety, OSDI, conjunctival hyperemia score, lid margin alteration score, meibomian gland yield secretory score (MGYSS), Demodex mite count, and tear break-up time (TBUT) were compared between the two groups before treatment and at 4 and 8 weeks post-treatment. Additionally, the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEIVFQ-25) scores were assessed before and after treatment. Results: The total effective rate in the observation group was 100.00% (48/48) at 8 weeks post-treatment, higher than 89.58% (43/48) in the control group (P < 0.05). The OSDI, conjunctival hyperemia score, lid margin alteration scores, MGYSS, and Demodex mite count all decreased in both groups at 4 and 8 weeks post-treatment compared to baseline, with greater improvements in the observation group(P < 0.05). TBUT and NEIVFQ-25 scores increased in both groups at 8 weeks post-treatment compared to baseline, with the observation group achieving better outcomes than the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The addition of OPT to standard therapy for BKC is safe and provides superior short-term efficacy. It can alleviate lid margin inflammation, improve ocular surface symptoms, and enhance visual-related quality of life.