Feasibility of IPL for Reducing Dry Eye Symptoms Caused by MGD

The IPL module has FDA clearance (K142860) for a wide range of indications, including benign cavernous hemangiomas, benign venous malformations, telangiectasia, port-wine stains, pigmented lesions and erythema of rosacea. As shown by a retrospective study, in over 85% of the cases, using IPL in subjects with ocular rosacea also alleviated the symptoms of DED caused by MGD. No serious adverse events were recorded, suggesting that IPL therapy administered close to the ocular orbits is safe (provided that the eyes are shielded). However, the above mentioned study was retrospective. Therefore, additional evidence is needed in order to substantiate the hypothesis that alleviation of MGD symptom was facilitated by IPL treatments.

The aim of the current study is to assess the safety and efficacy of IPL treatment for reducing the symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) in subjects with MGD. The study hypothesis is that in a study population of subjects diagnosed with moderate to severe MGD, 4 sessions of IPL therapy with the M22 system, followed by expression of the MGs, will cause a significant increase in tear break-up time post-treatment, compared to pre-treatment.

Inclusion criteria

• Able to read, understand and sign an Informed Consent (IC) form
• 18-80 years of age
• Fitzpatrick skin type 1-4
• Able and willing to comply with the treatment/follow-up schedule and requirements
• At least 5 non-atrophied glands on each eye's lower eyelid
• Current diagnosis of moderate to severe MGD in both eyes, including 2 of the following 5 criteria:

• Tear break-up time (TBUT) ≤ 10 seconds in both eyes;
• Meibomian gland (MG) score (using the Abbreviated MGD grading system for clinical trials) ≥ 11 in both eyes
• Corneal Fluorescein Staining (CFS) score (using the Baylor grading scheme) ≥ 10 in both eyes;
• Tear Osmolarity ≥ 310 milliosmol/L in both eyes, or a difference higher than 8 milliosmol/L between the two eyes
• SPEED ≥ 10
• Women of child-bearing age are required to be using a reliable method of birth control (such as an intrauterine device, birth control pills, condom with spermicidal, Nuvaring and partner with vasectomy or abstinence) at least 3 months prior to enrollment and throughout the course of the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Contact lens wearer within the past 1 month and throughout the study
• Recent ocular surgery or eyelid surgery within the past 6 months
• Neuro-paralysis in the planned treatment area within the past 6 months
• Other uncontrolled eye disorders affecting the ocular surface
• Current use of punctal plugs
• Pre-cancerous lesions, skin cancer or pigmented lesions in the planned treatment area
• Uncontrolled infections or uncontrolled immunosuppressive diseases
• Subjects who have undergone laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery within the past 6 months
• Diseases in the planned treatment area that could be stimulated by light at 560 nm to 1200 nm (e.g., Herpes simplex 1 and 2, Systemic Lupus erythematosus, porphyria)
• Use of photosensitive medication and/or herbs that may cause sensitivity to 560-1200 nm light exposure, such as Isotretinoin, Tetracycline, or St. John's Wort
• Over exposure to sun within the past 4 weeks, in the judgment of the treating physician
• Pregnancy and nursing
• Administration of prescription eye drops for dry eye within the past 48 hours, excluding artificial tears
• Radiation therapy to the head or neck within the past year, or planned radiation therapy within 8 weeks after completion of all IPL treatments
• Treatment with chemotherapeutic agent within the past 8 weeks, or planned chemotherapy within 8 weeks after completion of all IPL treatments
• New topical treatments within the area to be treated, or oral therapies within the past 3 months, except over-the-counter acetaminophen-based analgesics (such as Extra Strength Tylenol®) for pain management after study treatment
• Change in dosage of any systemic medication within the past 3 months
• Anticipated relocation or extensive travel outside of the local study area preventing compliance with follow-up within the next 16 weeks
• Any condition revealed during the eligibility screening process whereby the physician deems the subject inappropriate for this study
• Declared legally blind in one eye
• History of migraines, seizures or epilepsy
• IPL treatment within the past 12 months
• Lipiflow treatment, or any equivalent treatment, within the past 12 months
• Expression of the meibomian glands within the past 12 months