The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of active Manuka honey on wound healing following elective upper eyelid surgery.

A prospective randomised single-blinded study of 46 patients undergoing bilateral upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty with or without ptosis correction) over a period of 10 months was carried out. Patients were asked to apply honey twice a day to a randomly chosen eyelid and apply Vaseline to both eyelids for six weeks. A blinded assessor graded the scars at 1 week, 1 month and 4 weeks after surgery. We used Manchester scar scale, a subjective scar grading scale and a modified eyelid-specific scar grading scale developed by the investigators. Standardised photographs were also taken at each visit.

37 patients completed the trial (13 males and 24 females) without any complications. Mean age was 67 years (range 50-85). Of the 9 patients excluded, only 2 were related to honey use (1 possible infection, 1 found it too sticky). 4 months data was collected for11 patients, mainly due to patients non-attendance.The majority of patients preferred the appearance of the eyelid honey was applied to. This was true at 1 week (51% better), 1 month (40% better) and at 4 months (55%). The majority of patients also reported improved itching on the treated side. For all grading scales there was no significant difference between the two eyelids.

This is the first randomized control trial of the effect of Manuka honey on eyelid surgical wounds. It appears people believe that the use of honey improves their wound healing and relieves wound related symptoms. Despite its stickiness, it is well-tolerated by patients in the first month of surgery.