[Combined Intense Pulsed Light and low-level light therapy in the treatment of Meibomian gland dysfunction]

Abstract

Introduction: Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the most common cause of dry eye syndrome. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combined intense pulsed light (IPL) and low-level light therapy (LLLT) in symptomatic MGD.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 30 patients with MGD causing dry eye symptoms not relieved by medical therapy and managed with combined IPL and LLLT. The primary endpoint was the Ocular Score Disease Index (OSDI) score at 1 month and 1 year. Secondary endpoints were visual acuity, intraocular pressure, tear film break-up time, Schirmer's test, Oxford score, and infrared meibographic score at 1 month after the conclusion of treatment.

Results: The mean OSDI score decreased from 43±19 to 17±12 (1 month; p<0.0001) and then to 29±11 (12 months; p=0.013); 63% of patients were meibographic grade 2 before versus 7% after treatment (range, 1-4) (p=0.009); 75% of patients were Oxford grade 1 before versus 41% after treatment (p=0.004) (range, 1-3). No significant difference in the other secondary endpoints was noted.

Conclusion: Over time, IPL therapy in combination with LLLT appears to improve patients with symptomatic MGD resistant to medical therapy.

Keywords: Dry eye syndrome; Dysfonction des glandes de Meibomius; Intense pulsed light; Low level light therapy; Lumière intense pulsée; Meibomian gland dysfunction; Ocular Surface Disease Index; Syndrome sec oculaire; Thérapie par lumière de faible niveau.