Intense pulsed light combined with meibomian gland expression for chalazion management

To investigate the efficacy and safety of an intense pulsed light (IPL) combined IPL treatment protocol for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)/dry eye disease (DED) with IPL applied directly to the eyelids, associated with meibomian gland (MG) expression for the treatment of chalazion.

Retrospective case series study. Patients presenting with chalazion received a combined IPL therapy treatment consisting of using the usual IPL protocol for DGM/EOS using a fluence according to skin type according to Fitzpatrick, followed by a second phase (in the same session) of IPL application directly on the eyelids of both eyes using a fluence of 10J/cm². All patients then received GM expression, eyelid hygiene, topical antibiotic and topical ocular anti-inflammatory medication. Adverse effects related to this protocol were assessed at each IPL session.

Twenty-six chalazions from nineteen patients (24 eyes) with a mean age of 49.89±20.43 years were included. An average of 2.07±0.97 IPL sessions were required for chalazion resolution. The combined treatment of IPL protocol and GM expression showed 96.15% efficacy and no adverse effects were observed.

Combined IPL treatment for MGD/DED with IPL applied directly onto the eyelids and MGX could be effective and safe for the management of chalazions.