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Intense Pulsed Light for the Treatment of Dry Eye Owing to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Published on: April 1, 2019
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Current practices and considerations in intense pulsed light therapy for meibomian gland dysfunction
Hyunmin Ahn1, Ikhyun Jun2, Tae-Im Kim2
1Share Bright Vision Eye Clinic, Seoul, Korea.
Taiwan Journal of Ophthalmology
|January 12, 2026
Summary
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy shows promise for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) dry eye. This review of 110 studies identifies common IPL treatment trends to standardize protocols for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a primary cause of evaporative dry eye disease.
- Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a developing treatment for MGD.
- Current IPL protocols for MGD exhibit significant procedural variability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize clinical studies on IPL therapy for MGD.
- To identify prevailing procedural trends and evidence-based components of IPL protocols.
- To provide a framework for optimizing IPL therapy in MGD management.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search and synthesis of 110 clinical studies.
- Structured data extraction of key treatment variables.
- Analysis of device selection, treatment intervals, anatomical coverage, and adjunctive strategies.
Main Results:
- Substantial heterogeneity exists in IPL device selection, energy, session frequency, and anatomical coverage.
- Consistent procedural patterns were identified across studies.
- Common adjunctive therapies include meibomian gland expression and pharmacologic agents.
Conclusions:
- Standardization of IPL protocols for MGD is needed.
- This review offers insights into optimizing IPL therapy for MGD.
- Further comparative research is essential to refine IPL treatment protocols.

