Thermal Pulsation Versus Warm Compress Treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

A Prospective, Randomized Comparison of Thermal Pulsation Versus Warm Compress Treatment for Signs and Symptoms of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

This study aimed to assess the treatment outcome differences between a single, in-office bilateral treatment with the thermal pulsation system and twice-daily, 10-minute applications of the warm compress mask at home for 8 weeks.

This prospective, single-center, single-masked, randomized, controlled clinical trial compared the Systane iLux handheld thermal pulsation system with a warm compress mask (Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress, Bruder Healthcare, Alpharetta, GA, USA) for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Subjects aged 18 or older were randomized 1:1 to either a single in-office thermal pulsation treatment or twice-daily use of the warm compress mask, with both eyes undergoing the same treatment. Enrollment criteria included Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score >23, total meibomian gland secretion (MGS) score < or =12 in the lower lid of each eye, and tear break-up time (TBUT) < 10 seconds. TBUT, MGS, and corneal staining scores were evaluated at baseline, 2 weeks, and 8 weeks. Symptoms were evaluated using the OSDI questionnaire at baseline, 2 weeks, and 8 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• history of self-reported dry eye symptoms for 3 months prior to study enrollment
• baseline OSDI score of 23 or greater (
• MGS score of 12 ior less in the lower eyelid of each eye
• TBUT <10 seconds
• willing and able to abstain from using any new ocular lubricants

Exclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction or rheumatoid arthritis
• history of laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK); any other ocular surgery within the previous 12 months
• abnormal lid anatomy or active lid lesions
• use of topical glaucoma medications, medications affecting the central nervous system, or hormonal drugs within the previous month
• active ocular infection
• pterygium
• planned use of contact lenses, topical antibiotics, steroids, or immunomodulating drops
• CDVA worse than 0.2 logMAR