Cliradex® vs. I-Lid'n Lash®Antimicrobial and Clinical Efficacy of Cliradex® as Compared With I-Lid'n Lash® Hygiene in Treating Blepharitis

Previous studies have shown the clinical and antimicrobial efficacy of eyelid hygiene with tea tree oil (TTO) in resolving chronic blepharitis. Cliradex® is a novel over-the-counter eyelid wipe which contains the most active ingredient of TTO. The present study is a single-centre, randomized, trial comparing Cliradex® eyelid hygiene and I-Lid 'n Lash® Hygiene, another over-the-counter eyelid wipe, without any medicinal ingredients, in treating chronic blepharitis. The Primary Outcome Measure will be the difference in change in the number of CFU's after 2 weeks treatment, between the groups. The Secondary Outcome Measure will be the difference in change in objective clinical signs and symptoms by performing a vision check, a questionnaire, and visual grading, of each participants' blepharitis after 2 weeks treatment, between the groups. The Tertiary Outcome Measures will be the difference in change in microbial CFUs and clinical signs and symptoms between the groups at the 4 and 6 week point, (2 and 4 weeks after discontinuing treatment), to evaluate if the treatment will produce a lasting effect.

Participants will be randomized into one of the treatment arms. They will use the appropriate treatment for two weeks. They will then be re-assessed. They will discontinue treatment at this time, and four weeks later, will be assessed one last time, to see if the temporary treatment provides a lasting effect. A sub-group of ten patients per group will also be randomized to an extra visit. This group will be assessed after two weeks of having stopped the wipes. The same testing and procedures will be performed at this appointment.