Thermodynamic treatment effective for MGD

A single thermodynamic treatment (LipiFlow, TearScience) can serve as an effective treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), and the beneficial effects of the treatment can last for 6 months or longer, according to a study published in Cornea.

Twenty-six subjects with MGD received the thermodynamic treatment. Improvements were found in a number of parameters 6 months after treatment compared to baseline. The parameters included subjective symptoms (at the 6-month follow-up, the subjects' mean Ocular Surface Disease Index had decreased from 42 ± 19 to 33 ± 21, and their mean Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness had decreased from 16 ± 7 to 12 ± 7). Other changes:

• lipid layer thickness, from 44.0 ± 15.6 to 51.3 ± 20.4

• number of expressible glands, from 2.9 ± 1.6 to 6.4 ± 4.6

• lid margin parallel conjunctival folds, from 2.3 ± 1.0 to 2.0 ± 0.9

• ulbar redness, from 1.4 ± 0.5 to 1.2 ± 0.5.

The researchers noted that subjects with less severe meibomian gland atrophy showed more symptomatic improvement than those with more dropout at treatment. In addition, there was no change of meibomian gland atrophy.

To read an abstract of the study, click here.