Comparison of Light-Based Devices in the Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Purpose: To compare different light-based devices, namely, intense pulsed light (IPL) and IPL with low-level therapy (LLLT), in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Methods: This was a prospective, observational study that included patients MGD. Group 1 58 eyes treated (eye-light®, Espansione Marketing S.p.A., Bologna, Italy), followed by LLLT (my-mask®, Italy); 2 60 (E>Eye®, E-Swin, Houdan, France); 3 (Thermaeye Plus®, OptiMed, Sydney, Australia). The presence symptoms (Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI)) ocular surface changes were evaluated at baseline, three weeks, six months after treatment. Results: At week three, there an improvement OSDI all groups (p<0.001), without differences among them (p=0.339). lipid layer thickness (LLT) increased Groups similar variation (p=0.144). Patients superior lower LLT baseline had greatest respective parameters (p<0.001). basal tear flow (p=0.012). Corneal staining (CS) significantly decreased (p<0.001) months, compared to further (p=0.007), 1, increase CS (p=0.011). Conclusion: led sustained decrease patients’ symptoms, even months. Different devices seem have beneficial effects. Adding appears additional long-term effect as well positive effects on lacrimal gland.