Light Therapy Improves Tear Film, Discomfort in Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

In patients with dry eye disease (DED) associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), 1 week of serial sessions of a newly developed low-level light therapy (LLLT) device for home use can significantly improve tear film production and stability and ocular discomfort symptoms, according to findings published in Ophthalmology and Therapy. 

Researchers conducted a prospective study to evaluate the changes that an at-home device using LLLT produces in signs and symptoms of patients with MGD-related DED. Researchers treated patients (n=17; 3 men, 14 women; mean age, 61.47±11.93 years) who did not successfully respond to first-line therapyies including tear substitutes and eyelid hygiene, with 4 serial LLLT sessions. A noninvasive ocular surface examination was carried out before and after the sessions for the evaluation of tear meniscus height (TMH), first and average noninvasive Keratograph^® (Oculus) breakup time (NIKBUT), and meibomian gland loss (MGL). The researchers used the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire to assess ocular discomfort symptoms. 

Mean values of NIKBUT first and NIKBUT average increased significantly after treatment (P =.0001 and P =.017, respectively). The mean value of TMH also increased significantly (P =.029), but there were no statistically significant differences for MGL (P =.346). Finally, the mean value of OSDI score decreased after treatment (P <.001). 

The researchers highlight the potential benefits of the device, including its ability to be used independent of additional hardware or software; its user-friendliness; and its provision of immediate relief to the user. 

“These results are consistent with those obtained with the in-office LLLT device and open up a new scenario for patients with MGD who can enjoy the unique benefits of this technology at home,” the researchers explained.

Study limitations include the lack of a control group and lack of follow up past 1 week of treatment to explore long-term effects.