Low-Level Light Therapy in Association with Intense Pulsed Light for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Abstract

Purpose To study the clinical benefit of low-level light therapy when associated with intense pulsed light for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction. Methods An observational study. Two groups of patients that were treated with IPL were considered: group 1 (31 subjects, 62 eyes), intense pulsed light followed by low-level light therapy and group 2 (31 subjects, 62 eyes) intense pulsed light alone. In both groups, treatments were performed in 3 sessions and subjects were evaluated at baseline and 3 weeks after the last treatment session. Values are shown as mean difference ± standard deviation. Results We observed a significant improvement in OSDI-12 score and lipid layer thickness, in both groups (−22.7±17.5, p<0.001 in group 1 and −23.6±23.8, p<0.001 in group 2 for OSDI and +18.6 ± 37.0, p<0.001 in group 1 and +19.9 ± 26.4, p<0.001 in group 2 for lipid layer thickness). Despite no differences between groups at baseline (p=0.469), only group 1 had a significant improvement in Schirmer test (+1.6±4.8, p=0.009 in group 1 and +1.7±6.9, p=0.057 in group 2). No significant side effects were noted. No patient in any group felt subjectively “worse” after the treatment. Conclusion Intense pulsed light seems effective and safe for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction, improving symptoms and the tear film lipid layer. This study shows no strong evidence of the benefit of low-level light therapy, but it shows weak evidence that it may further improve aqueous tear production.

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

“…Additionally, in Group 1 and Group 2, there was an increase in the outflow of meibomian glands, as indicated by the LLT improvement. Marques et al [14] previously reported these changes. Improvement in LLT was not present in Group 3, indicating that Thermaeye Plus® may have a less beneficial effect on this parameter when compared to other IPL devices.…”