Which agent provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action in blepharitis management?

• A. Hypochlorous acid spray
• B. Prednisolone acetate
• C. Tobramycin
• D. Artificial tears

Answer: (A)

Blepharitis management benefits from an agent that reduces eyelid margin bacteria and dampens inflammation. Hypochlorous acid spray provides both actions: it acts as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, helping to disrupt microbial cells and lid-margin biofilm, and it also has anti-inflammatory effects that help lessen inflammation at the eyelid margin.

Prednisolone acetate addresses inflammation but has no antimicrobial effect, so infection can continue. Tobramycin targets bacteria but does not reduce inflammation. Artificial tears mainly provide lubrication with no antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory activity.