MGD Treatment using Intense Pulsed Light and Low Level Light Therapy

Abstract

Purpose. Primary objective of this study was the assessment of dry eye related subjective and objective findings of MGD patients prior and after IPL and LLLT treatment. Material and Methods. 38 subjects with diagnosed MGD were enrolled in a prospective single center study in an optometric practice based in Wil (Switzerland). All subjects underwent IPL/LLLT treatments every 14 days from baseline until four treatments were conducted. OSDI, BCVA, IOP, NIKBUT, osmolarity, lower lid margin appearance and meibography data were captured at baseline before the first IPL/LLLT treatment and 14 days after the last treatment. Pre and post OSDI score, NIKBUT and osmolarity of the right was statistically analyzed using Wilcoxon rang sum test for matched pairs. Results. OSDI score decreased significantly from 32 to 14 (p = <0.001). NIKBUT values did not increased significant- ly from 11.4 ± 12.4 s to 11.7 ± 5.9 (p = 0.498). Osmolarity in- creased significantly from 322.2 ± 12.6 mOsm/L to 327.9 ± 9.6 (p = 0.006). 26 of 38 subjects (68.4 %) were satisfied or very satisfied by this new form of therapy whereas 12 subjects (31.6 %) did not report a subjective change. Conclusion. The combined IPL/LLLT therapy is a promising therapy form usable in optometric and ophthalmological practices. The majority of the subjects reported subjective improvements, which were not confirmed by objective find- ings. Due to the high reduction of sicca symptoms and the high degree of satisfaction with the IPL/LLLT treatment, it can be stated, that an IPL/LLLT application is effective in MGD patients. Keywords Meibomian glands, Meibomian gland dysfunction, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT)