Effect of Intense Pulsed-Light Treatment Using a Novel Dual-Band Filter in Patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Abstract

Background: This study evaluates the effect of intense pulsed-light (IPL) treatment in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) using a novel dual-band filter (vascular filter, 530–650 nm and 900–1200 nm) and compares it with the effect and discomfort during treatment using a conventional filter. Methods: The medical records of 89 patients (89 eyes) with MGD who underwent IPL treatment were reviewed. Patients treated with the vascular filter or conventional 590 nm filter were designated as Group A or Group B, respectively. Patients underwent IPL treatment four times every four weeks. Ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores, dry eye (DE), and MGD parameters were determined before the first IPL treatment and after the fourth IPL treatment. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores were obtained at every IPL treatment. OSDI, DE and MGD parameters, and VAS were compared between the groups. Results: OSDI, DE, and MGD parameters improved after the four IPL treatments in both groups. There were no significant differences, between the groups, in OSDI, DE, and MGD parameters, before the first IPL treatment and after the fourth IPL treatment. VAS at each of the IPL treatments was lower in Group B than in Group A. Conclusion: IPL treatment using the novel vascular filter for patients with MGD is effective compared with conventional IPL treatment for MGD patients.

Intense pulsed light treatment in meibomian gland dysfunction: Past, present, and future

“…Sixteen of the included articles report IPL treatment of the upper eyelids (Caravaca et al, 2022; Cheng et al, 2019; Chung, Han, et al, 2022; Chung, Rhim, & Park, 2022; Gao et al, 2019; Han et al, 2022; Kim & Min, 2022; Li et al, 2020; Li, Liu, et al, 2021; Liu et al, 2017; Murtaza et al, 2021; Rong, Tang, Liu, et al, 2018; Rong, Tang, Tu, et al, 2018; Tang et al, 2021; Toyos et al, 2019; Zhang‐Nunes et al, 2021). Seven studies did not report on the occurrence of adverse events, six studies reported no adverse events while three studies found non‐serious adverse events such as conjunctival abrasion, self‐limiting eyelash thinning, self‐limiting hyper‐pigmentation, gritty sensation, discharge burning and redness (Chung, Rhim, & Park, 2022; Rong, Tang, Tu, et al, 2018; Zhang‐Nunes et al, 2021).…”

Comparison of Intense Pulsed Light Treatments including Upper Lid or Lateral Canthus in Patients of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

“…Numerous studies have shown that IPL treatment is effective in patients with MGD [ 8 , 9 , 11 , 14 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. However, in most studies, IPL treatment was performed only on the lower lid [ 6 , 7 , 18 , 19 ] or both upper and lower lids [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 25 ]. Although the therapeutic effect of both treatment applications has been documented in patients with MGD, few studies have compared the differences in the therapeutic effects of IPL based on the treatment locations, such as the lower lid and upper lid.…”

“…When initially introduced for MGD treatment, IPL treatment was applied to the lower lids only [ 6 , 8 , 9 ]. Subsequently, a method of treating the upper and lower lids was introduced [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 17 , 25 ], revealing that the combined treatment of the upper and lower lid elicited an additional treatment effect when compared with treating the lower lid alone [ 17 ]. IPL treatment performed on the upper lid has no serious side effects and is known to be safe [ 13 , 15 , 17 , 25 , 28 ].…”

“…According to previous reports using the M22 machine for MGD treatment, the duration and interval of 6.0 ms and 60.0 ms had no serious side effects; therefore, the duration and interval were set the same as previous reports [ 15 , 17 ]. A 590 nm filter and a 6 mm cylindrical light guide were applied to the handpiece [ 13 , 15 , 25 ]. The fluence was set according to Fitzpatrick skin types (13–19 J/cm 2 ), as described in previous studies [ 15 , 16 , 17 ].…”

“…A series of 6, 8, or 12 pulses were applied around the periocular area on the lower eyelids, upper eyelids, and the lateral canthus area ( Figure 1 ). For a synergistic treatment effect, meibomian gland expression was performed using an Arita Meibomian Gland Compressor (Katena Products, Denville, NJ, USA) after the IPL treatment [ 13 , 15 , 17 , 25 , 26 ].…”