Topical Treatments

Select Treatments:
  • What is it and how does it work?
  • Who is it for?
  • Who is it not for?
  • How well does it work?
  • What are the possible side effects?
  • Will it inconvenience me?
  • How much does it cost?

Topical Treatments

What is it and how does it work?

Eye Problem Treatments

Artificial tears

Artificial tears or ocular gels: act as lubricants for dry eyes.

Topical cyclosporine drops

Topical cyclosporine drops are an antibiotic treatment that reduces swelling and dryness in the eye.

Eyelid Problem Treatments

Warm compresses, lid hygiene, lid massage

Warm compresses: apply a warm towel to your closed eyelids for about 15 minutes to help release oils. This will help with dry eyes.

Lid hygiene: gentle application of baby shampoo with dampened cotton swabs to eyelids.

Lid massage: close your eyes and use your index finger or cotton swabs to gently compress along the length of the upper and lower eyelids. The idea is that you are trying to move the oils towards the eyelid edges and so you should move in a downward motion for the upper eyelid and upward motion for the lower eyelid. Repeat this 5-10 times for each eye.

Topical Ivermectin

Ivermectin reduces inflammation and skin mites.

Topical Metronidazole

Metronidazole works by reducing inflammation.

Who is it for?

Eye Problem Treatments

Artificial tears

Mild, moderate and severe eye problems.

Topical cyclosporine drops

Mild, moderate and severe eye problems.

Eyelid Problem Treatments

Warm compresses, lid hygiene, lid massage

Mild, moderate and severe eyelid problems.

Topical Ivermectin

Mild and moderate eyelid problems.

Topical Metronidazole

Mild and moderate eyelid problems.

Who is it not for?

Eye Problem Treatments

Artificial tears

There are no contraindications.

Topical cyclosporine drops

Some patients may be sensitive to topical cyclosporine drops and should not use it.

Eyelid Problem Treatments

Warm compresses, lid hygiene, lid massage

There are no contraindications.

Topical Ivermectin

Some patients may be sensitive to ivermectin and should not use it.

Topical Metronidazole

Some patients may be extra sensitive to topical metronidazole and should not use it.

How well does it work?

Eye Problem Treatments

Artificial tears

While these treatments are widely used, current studies are small and evidence is limited.

Topical cyclosporine drops

While these treatments are widely used, current studies are small and evidence is limited.

Eyelid Problem Treatments

Warm compresses, lid hygiene, lid massage

While these treatments are widely used, current studies are small and evidence is limited.

Topical Ivermectin

Ivermectin has been shown to be highly effective in treating dry eye symptoms.

Topical Metronidazole

In a series of cases, topical metronidazole was shown to be effective in treating ocular rosacea.

What are the possible side effects?

Eye Problem Treatments

Artificial tears

N/A

Topical cyclosporine drops

Burning or itching of the eye, pain when using eye drops, eye redness. Safe to use in pregnancy.

Eyelid Problem Treatments

Warm compresses, lid hygiene, lid massage

N/A

Topical Ivermectin

Serious: None

Other: Localized burning, Skin irritation

Pregnancy: Category C

Topical Metronidazole

High blood pressure, headaches, redness, skin irritation, itching, stinging. Safe to use in pregnancy.

Will it inconvenience me?

Eye Problem Treatments

Artificial tears

Apply artificial tears at least once per day.

Topical cyclosporine drops

Apply eye drops twice per day.

Eyelid Problem Treatments

Warm compresses, lid hygiene, lid massage

~30 minute routine per day.

Topical Ivermectin

Inconvenience (Reminders for application are required.

Time is required for proper application of topical treatments.)

Topical Metronidazole

Topical metronidazole is applied to the eyelids once or more per day.

How much does it cost?

Eye Problem Treatments

Artificial tears

$. Cost is based on price without insurance and may vary.

Topical cyclosporine drops

$$$. Cost is based on price without insurance and may vary.

Eyelid Problem Treatments

Warm compresses, lid hygiene, lid massage

$. Cost is based on price without insurance and may vary.

Topical Ivermectin

$$$$. Cost is based on price without insurance and may vary.

Topical Metronidazole

$$$$. Cost is based on price without insurance and may vary.