Compositions and methods for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction
Described herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction. Said compositions and methods comprise keratolytic agents, such as salicylic acid, selenium disulfide, or the like. Topical administration of said compositions to the eyelid margin or surrounding areas provides therapeutic benefit to patients suffering from meibomian gland dysfunction.
1. A method for treating meibomian gland dysfunction in a patient in need thereof, comprising topically administering to the patient a composition that reaches the eyelid margin of the patient, wherein the composition comprises a therapeutically-effective amount of at least one keratolytic agent in an ophthalmically-acceptable carrier, wherein the keratolytic agent is an inorganic selenium compound, or an organo-selenium compound.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the keratolytic agent is an inorganic selenium compound.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the inorganic selenium compound is selenium disulfide.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the concentration of the selenium disulfide in the composition is between about 0.1% to about 10%.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein composition is topically administered to the patient until the keratinized obstruction is relieved.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein composition is topically administered to the patient periodically after relieving the keratinized obstruction.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the topical administration is a single administration.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the topical administration is a periodic administration.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the periodic administration is once a day.
10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the periodic administration is two times a day.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition for topical administration is a semi-solid.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition for topical administration is homogenous.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition for topical administration is a dispersion.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition for topical administration is hydrophilic.
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition for topical administration has an oleaginous base.
16. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ophthalmically-acceptable carrier comprises at least one ophthalmically-acceptable excipient.
17. The method of claim 1 , wherein the administration of the composition results in enhanced meibum production.
18. A method for treating meibomian gland dysfunction in a patient in need thereof, comprising topically administering to the patient a composition that reaches the eyelid margin of the patient, wherein the composition consists of a therapeutically-effective amount of a keratolytic agent in an ophthalmically-acceptable carrier, wherein the keratolytic agent is an inorganic selenium compound, or an organo-selenium compound.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the keratolytic agent is an inorganic selenium compound.
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the inorganic selenium compound is selenium disulfide.
21. The method of claim 20 , wherein the concentration of the selenium disulfide in the composition is between about 0.1% to about 10%.
22. The method of claim 18 , wherein the administration of the composition results in enhanced meibum production.
23. The method of claim 18 , wherein the composition for topical administration is homogenous.
24. The method of claim 18 , wherein the composition for topical administration is a dispersion.
25. The method of claim 18 , wherein the composition for topical administration is hydrophilic.
26. The method of claim 18 , wherein the composition for topical administration has an oleaginous base.
27. The method of claim 18 , wherein the ophthalmically-acceptable carrier comprises at least one ophthalmically-acceptable excipient.