Topical hydrocortisone for treating dry eye linked to meibomian gland dysfunction

Prospective Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Hydrocortisone Treatment on Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease Associated With Moderate Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Phase 4 Interventional Laboratorios Thea, Spain · NCT05159284

This study is testing if a hydrocortisone eye treatment can help people with dry eyes caused by meibomian gland dysfunction feel better compared to standard care.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment54 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLaboratorios Thea, Spain Industry-sponsored
Locations1 site (Valencia)
Trial IDNCT05159284 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of topical hydrocortisone in alleviating the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease associated with moderate meibomian gland dysfunction. It is a phase IV, prospective, interventional study with a randomized, single-blind design involving two treatment arms. Participants will receive either hydrocortisone ophthalmic treatment or standard care, and their responses will be monitored through various ophthalmic assessments. The study aims to provide insights into the effectiveness of hydrocortisone for this specific condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a documented diagnosis of dry eye disease and moderate meibomian gland dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to the study treatments, recent ocular surgery, or other specific ocular conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from dry eye disease linked to meibomian gland dysfunction.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on various treatments for dry eye disease, the specific use of topical hydrocortisone for this condition is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 18 years
2. Documented diagnosis of DE defined by TBUT value ≤ 5 seconds and Schirmer I test value \< 10 mm/5 min
3. Normal ophthalmic findings except dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction
4. OSDI score \> 23 (moderate symptoms)
5. Documented diagnosis of MGD grade 2 to 3
6. Patient who can understand the instructions and adhere to medications
7. Patient who receives complete information regarding the study objectives, authorize their participation in the study and sign an informed consent form before entering in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any contraindication or known allergies to Lephanet®, Thealoz Duo®, MGD Rx EyeBag® or Softacort®
2. Ocular surgery in the past 6 months
3. Ocular hypertension or glaucoma
4. Cicatricial MGD
5. Atopic condition including ocular allergy
6. Suspect demodex lid infestation as evidenced by the presence of collarettes
7. Intraocular inflammation
8. Confirmed infection with COVID-19 in the last 3 months
9. Systemic autoimmune disorder
10. Use of contact lenses during the month prior to inclusion in the study or during the study
11. Punctal occlusion
12. Intraocular pressure \> 22 mmHg
13. Patient who has received topical or systemic anti-inflammatory treatments including corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) within 3 months prior to be included in the study or with a prescription for receiving topical / systemic anti-inflammatory treatments for the next 3 months
14. In the investigator´s opinion, use of systemic medications that could affect the function of the meibomian gland and tear production within 3 months prior to be included in the study
15. Any ocular or systemic disease known to affect the tear film other than MGD
16. Patient with any situation or state that in the opinion of the investigator discourages their participation in the study
17. Patient participating in any other interventional or non-interventional study or who have participated in another study within 30 days prior to inclusion in this study
18. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding
19. Patient who will not be able to complete the study (e.g., not willing to attend the follow-up visits, way of life interfering with compliance)

Where this trial is running

Valencia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Dry EyeMeibomian Gland Dysfunction
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.