Randomized trial of topical periocular castor oil treatment for blepharitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of topical castor oil application to the eyelids on ocular surface and tear film parameters in patients with blepharitis.

METHODS

Twenty-six participants (14 females, 12 males; mean ± SD age, 38 ± 21 years) with clinical signs of blepharitis were enrolled in a prospective, investigator-masked, randomized, paired-eye trial. A 100% cold pressed castor oil formulation (Lotus Garden Botanicals, Biddeford, ME, USA) was applied to the eyelids of one eye (randomized), twice daily for 4 weeks. Ocular surface characteristics, symptoms, and tear film parameters were assessed at baseline and day 28.

RESULTS

Baseline measurements did not differ between treated and control eyes (all p > 0.05). A significant reduction in OSDI symptomology score was observed following the four-week treatment period (p = 0.001). Clinical improvements in eyelid margin thickening, telangiectasia, eyelash matting, madarosis, cylindrical dandruff, and lid wiper epitheliopathy were limited to treated eyes (all p < 0.01), while greater decreases in staphylococcal and seborrheic eyelash crusting were observed in treated than control eyes (both p < 0.05). No adverse events were reported during the treatment period.

CONCLUSION

Topical castor oil application effected significant improvements in ocular surface signs and symptoms in patients with blepharitis. The favourable therapeutic profile would suggest that castor oil demonstrates promise as a potential treatment for blepharitis, and support the conduct of further efficacy trials with longer follow up.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12618000856213.