Evaluating the efficacy of topical tea tree oil versus preservative-free azithromycin in the treatment of dry eye disease associated with meibomian gland dysfunction: A randomized controlled trial focusing on tear interleukin levels.

Both groups demonstrated significant post-treatment improvement in all clinical parameters (P < 0.001).

Post-treatment IL-17 concentrations were significantly lower in the tea tree oil group (mean 27 ± 1 vs 44 ± 1 pg/mL; P < 0.001), whereas IL-8 reduction was more pronounced in the azithromycin group.

Multivariable regression identified tea tree oil treatment as an independent predictor of greater clinical improvement and IL-17 reduction.