Microblepharoexfoliation Resolves Chalazion, Outperforms Lid Hygiene Alone

Microblepharoexfoliation (MBE) is an effective, noninvasive adjunctive treatment method for chalazion resolution, according to a study published in Cornea. 

Researchers enrolled 50 participants with acute chalazia in a prospective, randomized clinical trial and randomly assigned them to treatment with MBE and lid hygiene (n=23; mean age, 66.6±6.6 years) or lid hygiene alone (n=27; mean age, 62.1±14.4 years). Chalazion resolution was evaluated at a 1-month follow-up visit. 

One eyelash was epilated from each participant and examined for Demodex. The number of Demodex mites on the lash was recorded during the initial and follow-up visits.

Participants underwent comprehensive examinations, tear osmolarity testing, lissamine green staining of the ocular surface, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) tear level testing, and Schirmer 1 analysis during the 1-month follow-up visit and completed the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) to assess dry eye symptomatology. 

Investigators report that participants treated with both lid hygiene and MBE demonstrated a statistically significant chalazion resolution compared with those treated with lid hygiene alone (P =.007). 

A total of 87% of individuals treated with MBE and lid hygiene experienced chalazion resolution compared with 44% of participants who used lid hygiene alone. Overall, 22% of patients with chalazia were positive for Demodex in their lashes.

“MBE, a completely noninvasive treatment modality, achieved resolution rates comparable or even slightly higher than those of the historically more invasive injections and [incision and curettage] procedures” according to the researchers. They also report, “the efficacy of MBE is less likely to be related to the presence of Demodex in the patients’ lashes.”

Study limitations include a short follow-up duration, small sample size, and use of a single center.