Low Level Light Therapy & Skin Pigmentation

The primary objective of the study is to determine if there is a difference in the thermal effect of low-level light therapy (LLLT) in individuals with different skin pigmentation (Fitzpatrick skin type I-IV verses Fitzpatrick skin type V-VI) using a clinically available 633nm LLLT system, the Epi-C-Plus (Espansione group, Bologna, Italy).

Inclusion criteria

• Ability to read and understand the study informed consent in English
• Age 18 years or older at enrollment
• Individuals with MGD based on one or more of the following clinical signs/symptoms, e.g., meibum quality score of 1-3 (Bron et al.), meibography score of 1, 2, or 3 on the Pult Meiboscale, non-invasive 1st tear break up time of 10 seconds or less, or an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score greater than 12 points.

Exclusion criteria

• Active anterior segment pathology (e.g., bacterial conjunctivitis, microbial keratitis)
• History of systemic disease associated with aqueous-deficient dry eye disease (e.g., Sjogren's syndrome)
• History of corneal surgery, refractive surgery, or eyelid surgery within 6 months
• History of corneal ectasia (e.g. keratoconus, Pellucid marginal degeneration)
• History of ocular trauma within 6 months
• History of LipiFlow, iLux, Meiboflow, IPL or LLLT within the last 12 months
• Habitual use of photosensitizing medications within the last 30 days
• Pregnant and/or lactating females, by self-report
• Pigmented lesions, tattoos, or skin cancer in the periocular region
• Unwilling to have eyes photographed or video recorded