Efficacy of 0.5% Oral Glucose vs Lubricants on Tear Break Up Time in Blepharitis Patients

Abstract

Background: Blepharitis is a chronic inflammatory eyelid disorder associated with tear-film instability and reduced tear breakup time (TBUT), contributing to dry eye symptoms and impaired visual function. While topical lubricants remain the standard treatment for improving tear-film stability, the role of systemic metabolic modulation, such as oral glucose, in influencing TBUT remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate and compare the short-term effects of 0.5% oral glucose solution and lubricant therapy on tear breakup time in patients with mild-to-moderate blepharitis. Methods: A prospective comparative interventional study was conducted on 42 participants aged 18–25 years with clinically diagnosed blepharitis, allocated into two groups: oral glucose (n=21) and lubricant (n=21). Baseline TBUT was measured using fluorescein slit-lamp examination, followed by reassessment at 30 and 120 minutes post-intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0, with independent t-tests applied to compare mean TBUT between groups. Results: Baseline TBUT was comparable between groups (p>0.05). At 30 minutes, the glucose group showed greater improvement, particularly in the left eye (mean difference: 0.87 seconds; p=0.018), with a significant within-group increase (+1.11 seconds; p=0.001). At 120 minutes, TBUT declined in the glucose group but remained higher in the lubricant group, although differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: Oral 0.5% glucose demonstrated a transient short-term improvement in TBUT, whereas lubricants provided more sustained tear-film stabilization. These findings support lubricants as the primary treatment modality, with oral glucose showing limited adjunctive potential.