The efficacy of combined povidone-iodine 1% and dexamethasone 0.08% prepared eye drops in treating post-viral corneal subepithelial infiltrates.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of povidone-iodine 1.0% and dexamethasone 0.08% combination eye drops in treating post-viral corneal subepithelial infiltrates (SEIs).

Design: This was a prospective, randomized comparative study of adult patients with SEIs. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups: Group 1 received combined povidone-iodine and dexamethasone eye drops with lubricating eye drops; Group 2 received dexamethasone and lubricating eye drops; Group 3 received povidone-iodine and lubricating eye drops. Treatment lasted for two weeks.

Methods: Patients aged 18 years or older with SEIs of 1-6 months duration were included. One eye per patient was chosen for treatment. If both eyes were affected, the eye with the more severe presentation was selected. Exclusion criteria included thyroid disease, allergy to study medications, ocular surgery within the last three months, and other conditions like corneal ulceration or active conjunctivitis. Patients were evaluated at baseline, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 6 months post-treatment for best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, symptoms, and modified Corneal Subepithelial Infiltrates Score (modified CSIS).

Results: A total of 45 eyes (15 per group) were included. The combination treatment significantly improved BCVA (P < 0.001), symptoms (P = 0.020), modified CSIS (P < 0.001), and reduced recurrence (P < 0.001) compared to the other two groups.

Conclusion: Combined povidone-iodine 1% and dexamethasone 0.08% eye drops offer superior improvement in SEIs, BCVA, and symptom relief, with lower recurrence compared to individual treatments. These findings suggest a potential synergistic effect of combined treatment in managing SEIs.