[Combined Intense Pulsed Light and low-level light therapy in the treatment of Meibomian gland dysfunction]

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the most common cause of dry eye syndrome. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combined intense pulsed light (IPL) and low-level light therapy (LLLT) in symptomatic MGD.

This retrospective study analyzed data from 30 patients with MGD causing dry eye symptoms not relieved by medical therapy and managed with combined IPL and LLLT. The primary endpoint was the Ocular Score Disease Index (OSDI) score at 1 month and 1 year. Secondary endpoints were visual acuity, intraocular pressure, tear film break-up time, Schirmer's test, Oxford score, and infrared meibographic score at 1 month after the conclusion of treatment.

The mean OSDI score decreased from 43±19 to 17±12 (1 month; p<0.0001) and then to 29±11 (12 months; p=0.013); 63% of patients were meibographic grade 2 before versus 7% after treatment (range, 1-4) (p=0.009); 75% of patients were Oxford grade 1 before versus 41% after treatment (p=0.004) (range, 1-3). No significant difference in the other secondary endpoints was noted.

Over time, IPL therapy in combination with LLLT appears to improve patients with symptomatic MGD resistant to medical therapy.