Optimization of the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease Caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Comparing the Effects of THERA°PEARL Eye Mask (Bausch & Lomb Inc., New York, USA) With the Use of Blephasteam® (Spectrum Thea Pharmaceuticals LTD, Macclesfield, UK).

An open label, randomized controlled study in a Norwegian population with meibomian gland dysfunction. Patients will be randomized to one of two groups: THERA°PEARL Eye Mask (Bausch & Lomb Inc., New York, USA) or Blephasteam® (Spectrum Thea Pharmaceuticals LTD, Macclesfield, UK). All patients will receive Hylo-comod (URSAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH, Saarbrücken, Germany).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
• Eligible for heat treatment
• Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) >12
• Quality or expressibility score ≤20 years old: >1 or >20 years old: ≥1
• Non-invasive tear film break-up time (NITBUT) <10 s in at least one eye
• Schirmer-1 test >5 mm after 5 min

Exclusion Criteria:

• Glaucoma,
• Ocular allergy
• Autoimmune disease
• Contact lens-wear during study
• Current punctal plugging
• Pregnant/lactating
• Candidate for topical anti-inflammatory
• Cicatricial meibomian gland dysfunction