Real-World Use of Loteprednol Etabonate 0.5%/Tobramycin 0.3% Ophthalmic Suspension for the Treatment of Ocular Surface Inflammatory Conditions

PURPOSE: Use of a combination corticosteroid/antibiotic product is common in ocular surface inflammatory conditions for which corticosteroid therapy is indicated and there exists a risk of superficial bacterial infection. Combination loteprednol etabonate 0.5% and tobramycin 0.3% (LE/T) has been evaluated for blepharokeratoconjunctivitis in two trials, but there has been limited reporting on its real-world use. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review conducted at three optometry practices in the USA. Data were collected from cases in which LE/T was used and data were recorded for the period commencing with therapy with a minimum of one follow-up visit (within 2 months). Data abstracted included patient demographics, diagnosis, LE/T dosing regimen, pre- and post-treatment ocular signs and symptoms, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements, adverse event (AE) reports, visual acuity (VA), and any notations as to resolution of baseline condition. Primary outcomes of interest included IOP changes and AEs. RESULTS: Ninety-six patient charts were extracted, and data from 87 charts (115 LE/T-treated eyes) were included. Mean (SD) years of age was 45.6 (19.7), most patients were white (83.9%), and just over half were female (58.6%). Common baseline conditions were conjunctival injury/corneal abrasion (25.3%), keratitis (18.4%), viral conjunctivitis (16.1%), and blepharitis/eyelid inflammation/MGD (11.5%). The most common LE/T dosing regimen was one drop QID. Mean (SD) IOP was 15.2 (4.4) mm Hg at baseline and 15.7 (4.4) mm Hg at the first follow-up visit (p = 0.2467). No AEs were recorded, and there were no significant changes in mean VA. Where recorded, most patients (83%) were noted as having their condition resolved/resolving at the first or second follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: LE/T appears to have a high level of safety when used for the management of various ocular surface inflammatory conditions encountered in optometric practice.