Treating socket discharge and discomfort: a crossover randomised trial of vitamin A ointment, low-dose steroid eyedrops and artificial tears - Scorecard - MDSpire
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Comparative Efficacy of Vitamin A Ointment, Low-Dose Steroid Eye Drops, and Artificial Tears for Managing Socket Discharge and Discomfort: A Randomized Crossover Study

  • By

  • Arthur Yu Xiang Liu

  • Stijn W Van Der Meeren

  • Adriaan D Coumou

  • Rachel Kalmann

  • Dyonne T Hartong

  • October 1, 2026

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Clinical Scorecard: Comparative Efficacy of Vitamin A Ointment, Low-Dose Steroid Eye Drops, and Artificial Tears for Managing Socket Discharge and Discomfort: A Randomized Crossover Study

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionChronic mucopurulent discharge and discomfort in anophthalmic patients
Key MechanismsTear film instability, epithelial damage, inflammation, and mechanical irritation
Target PopulationPatients aged ≥16 years with ocular prostheses experiencing chronic excessive mucopurulent discharge
Care SettingClinical management of ocular prosthesis complications

Key Highlights

  • Vitamin A ointment significantly outperformed artificial tears and low-dose steroids in reducing irritation and discharge.
  • The study utilized a randomized crossover design to improve reliability of treatment comparisons.
  • Chronic problems in anophthalmic patients include socket discomfort and excessive mucopurulent discharge.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Evaluate chronic excessive mucopurulent discharge and discomfort in patients with ocular prostheses.

Management

  • Consider vitamin A ointment as first-line treatment for managing socket discharge and discomfort.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Assess treatment efficacy through patient-reported outcomes and questionnaires.

Risks

  • Potential for chronic discomfort and discharge due to improper fitting of prostheses or underlying medical conditions.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Anophthalmic patients aged ≥16 years with ocular prostheses

Vitamin A ointment may provide therapeutic benefits for the conjunctival surface.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Implement personalized management strategies based on patient response to treatment.
  • Limit prosthesis handling and cleaning to reduce irritation.

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