A new study published in Clinical Ophthalmology examined the safety level of loteprednol etabonate 0.5% and tobramycin 0.3% when used to treat ocular surface inflammatory diseases.
I need context on ocular inflammation treatment.
When corticosteroid therapies are recommended for treatment, they’re often coupled with an antibiotic medication. While topical corticosteroids are tried-and-true for treating ocular inflammation, they come with potential side effects, including increased intraocular pressure (IOP).
Why this combo?
Loteprednol etabonate (LE) 0.5% and tobramycin (T) 0.3% LET/T is already an FDA-approved indication for use in steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions.
LE/T is an ocular solution consisting of a topical corticosteroid (LE) with an aminoglycoside antibiotic (T). LE is effective in inflammatory ocular diseases, and has a solid safety profile and a low risk for IOP elevation. T, on the other hand, includes broad-spectrum antibacterial activity.
Tell me about the study.
Data was collected from 87 patient charts (115 LE/T-treated eyes). Over half (58.6%) of patients were female, with a mean age of 45.6. The mean IOP was 15.2 mmHg at baseline and 15.7 mmHg (p = 0.2467) at initial follow up.
Any adverse events?
No, none were reported. The mean visual acuity also did not change significantly.
Results?
At indication, the majority of patients (83%) had their ocular inflammation resolved/resolving at either the first or second follow-up visit.
Take home.
Researchers concluded that the LE/T formulation appears to have a good level of safety for treating ocular surface inflammatory diseases.