High Frequency Electrotherapy for the Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

To test the safety and efficacy of high frequency electrotherapy (ET) on the clinical signs and symptoms of patients affected by dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Twenty-five patients affected by MGD were enrolled. Quantum Molecular Resonance ET was administered by means of the Rexon-Eye device 4 times, once per week for 4 weeks. Patients were reexamined 1 month after the last treatment. The primary endpoint was reduction in corneal fluorescein staining. Additional endpoints were tear break-up time, Ocular Surface Disease Index score, meibomian gland secretion score, and the number of expressible meibomian glands. Safety endpoints were Logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (LogMar) best spectacle-corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure.

Corneal fluorescein staining improved by 62.5% (P < 0.0001), tear breakup time increased by 30.9% (P < 0.0001), and the Ocular Surface Disease Index score improved by 37% (P < 0.001). The meibum quality and the number of expressible meibomian glands also increased (35.7% and 12%, P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Schirmer test scores increased after treatment by 16.5% (P = 0.01). No adverse events were observed.

Quantum Molecular Resonance ET appears to be safe and significantly reduces symptoms and signs associated with MGD. It may have a relevant role in the treatment of evaporative dry eye disease.