Ocular signs, symptoms and tear function tests of papulopustular rosacea patients receiving azithromycin.

BACKGROUND: Tetracycline derivatives provide moderate benefit in the treatment of ocular rosacea. Recently, azithromycin has been found to be an effective alternative in the treatment of cutaneous papulopustular rosacea.

OBJECTIVE: We planned a study to evaluate the effects of azithromycin on ocular symptoms, signs and tear function tests of papulopustular rosacea patients.

METHODS: An open-labelled study was performed in a population of 20 papulopustular rosacea patients.

RESULTS: Eighteen subjects completed the trial. Significant improvement was seen in ocular symptoms, eyelid findings and conjunctival hyperaemia scores (P = 0.002, P < 0.0001, and P = 0.005, respectively). Therapeutic benefit was not observed in ocular surface staining scores. Baseline values of Schirmer test results were within normal limits. No significant side-effects were observed. Limitations The study population is limited to dermatology patients who had been referred to the ophthalmology clinic.

CONCLUSION: Azithromycin may be a new promising therapeutic alternative in ocular rosacea.