Does pre-operative Betnesol improve surgical outcomes for ectropions?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Does pre-operative Betamethasone improve surgical outcomes for ectropions?
IRAS ID
230069
Contact name
Laura Hughes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Lothian
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The purpose of the study is to determine whether the use of a medication called Betamethasone (“Betnesol”) helps improve the position of eyelids prior to surgical repair for a lid condition called “ectropion”- a condition in which the eyelid turns or sags outwards, away from the eyeball.
The lower eyelid helps to protect the eye and drain tears at the inner corner of the eye into the tear duct. When the eyelid droops away from the eyeball, this function is impaired and can lead to a dry and sore eye; excessive watering of the eye and sometimes damage to the cornea, the clear outer layer at the front of the eye, which can lead to visual problems. Exposure of the out-turned lid and the thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the lid, the conjunctiva, can then become inflamed, thickened and red. Some people may also be bothered by the appearance of their ectropion.
Why might this study help?
In Edinburgh and West Lothian, it is the local practice of our eyelid surgeons to use Betamethasone ointment before operating to repair an ectropion. Betamethasone is a steroid ointment and is used to help reduce any inflammation and thickening of the lower lid, caused by its abnormal positioning. Betamethasone ointment use prior to surgery may make the eyelid droop less and cause it to sit in a more favourable position for the surgeon to operate.
These changes are from our local clinical experience. However, they have not been academically proven. Other hospitals and eyelid surgeons (oculoplastic surgeons) in the UK may not use Betamethasone before ectropion surgery. Therefore, we hope this study will provide scientific data to investigate and prove or disprove the benefits of using Betamethasone for ectropions. Results may then significantly benefit the wider ophthalmology and medical community.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
18/ES/0047
Date of REC Opinion
4 May 2018
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion