Manuka Honey Eye Drops VS Conventional Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Related Dry Eye Disease

Randomized Assessor Masked Trial Comparing Manuka Honey Eye Drops to Conventional Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Related Dry Eye Disease.

Assessor-masked (Single blind, randomized controlled trial comparing the conventional treatment group to an interventional group using 16% Manuka Honey topical eye drops.

Purpose To evaluate the effects of conventional treatment compared to use of Manuka Honey eye drops in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction related dry eye disease.

Design Assessor-masked (Single blind, randomized controlled trial comparing the conventional treatment group to an interventional group using 16% Manuka Honey topical eye drops.

Methods Patients were randomized into two groups, one group given conventional treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction. The other group was given additional manuka honey 16% eye drops which are registered as a medical device by the australian FDA. SPEED score was taken at baseline and upon follow up. Multiple parameters were graded from slit lamp examination by a masked assessor. Results were compared from baseline to follow up date 3 weeks later.

Inclusion Criteria:

• meibomian gland dysfunction stage 2-4

Exclusion Criteria:

• <18 years old Unable to consent Recent ophthalmic surgery <6m Abnormalities of lid position Allergy to honey/bee products Contact lens wearers Patients on long term topical medications apart from lubricants