The effect of tea tree oil gel versus regular eyelid shampoo in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction

Purpose Comparison of the effects of baby shampoo and tea tree oil (TTO) in treating meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) as a contributing factor to dry eye. Background Dysfunction of the meibomian gland is one of the main reasons for dry eye. TTO is extracted from tea leaves using steam. It has been found to be quite successful in getting rid of Demodex and possesses antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiprotozoal properties. It is additionally believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Patients and method In the study, 48 patients with MGD were recruited from the Ophthalmology Department of Benha University Hospital. Of these patients, 24 received ordinary baby shampoo and 24 received TTO medication. Results Glands expressibility, 5-Item Dry Eye Questionnaire score (DEQ5), tear breakup time, irregularity of lid margin and meibum quality score were improved more significantly in TTO gel treated eyes (glands expressibility P =.02, others P <.001). In spite of improvement in both eyes, scores of Plugging of meibomian gland orifices, foamy tears, conjunctival hyperaemia showed no statistically significant difference between the eyes ( P =.11, .42, .21, respectively). Moreover, eyelid margin telangiectasia resolved only in TTO gel treated eyes ( P <.001). Conclusion Baby shampoo and TTO both have a therapeutic effect on dry eye and MGD, although the latter, in its gel form, had greater and more impressive outcomes.