Posters

5% sodium chloride ointment versus lacrilube ointment for the management of recurrent corneal erosions syndrome

Poster Details

First Author: H.Neyaz SAUDI ARABIA

Co Author(s): H. Al-Habboubi   M. Ahad                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 5%NaCl ointment against traditional liquid paraffin/ mineral oil based ointment (lacrilube®) in the primary management RCEs.

Setting:

This was a retrospective observational study, carried out at Bournemouth Eye Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, UK from 1st of  June 2015 till 30th of June 2016.

Methods:

Retrospective study of 23 eyes of 14 patients that had uncontrolled RCEs despite taking lubricants and Lacrilube® ointment for at least six months.The patients were switched to 5% sodium chloride ointment at night and were asked to continue with rest of the ocular lubricants. They were followed regularly for at least 6 months. Charts were reviewed to collect the details about demography, slit lamp examination, the cause of RCEs and history of previous attacks. The patients were asked routinely to grade the response to treatment. Primary end point was resolution of symptoms at 3 months after starting 5% NaCl ointment

Results:

Except post-traumatic all cases were bilateral. Most cases were either Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD) or  post-refractive surgery. Before commencing 5% NaCl ointment, most common finding was the presence of microcysts, followed by loose epithelium. After 3 months of starting 5% NaCL 78% of the eyes noted improvement. All cases of post refractive surgery and most cases of  basement membrane Dystrophy improved. Little improvement was noted in post traumatic cases (p=0.001).Corneal epithelial health improved in all cases. Resolution of loose epithelium was seen in 80% of the eyes that noted subjected improvement.

Conclusions:

Compared to mineral oil based ointment, 5% sodium chloride ointment was more effective in controlling signs and symptoms of RCEs in this study. However, it appeared to be less effective in cases of traumatic RCEs. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Financial Disclosure:

None