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Experience and results using a new thermal pulsation treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye syndrome

Session Details

Session Title: Special Cases

Session Date/Time: Monday 07/10/2013 | 17:00-18:30

Paper Time: 17:06

Venue: Elicium 1 (First Floor)

First Author: : M.Piovella ITALY

Co Author(s): :    B. Kusa              

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate a new system for thermal pulsation treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD) in evaporative dry eye patients.

Setting:

C.M.A Centro di Microchirurgia Ambulatoriale, Via Donizetti 24, Monza (Milan)

Methods:

Fourty eyes of 21 patients (mean age: 52.10 ± 16.14 years) were diagnosed with MGD based on the following criteria: results of a questionnaire on symptoms, quantification of the lipid layer thickness using interferometric color units (ICU) as measured with the LipiView (TearScience, Morrisville, NC), and standardized meibomian gland expression to determine meibomian gland functionality. Criteria for treatment eligibility were a LipiView score ? 70 ICU with meibonian gland function grade, and dry eye symptoms. Eligible patients received LipiFlow treatment (TearScience, Morrisville, NC) designed to remove meibomian gland obstructions and restore meibomian gland function. The LipiFlow treatment involves an in-office, 12-minute application of pulsatile pressure and heat to the inner surface of the eyelids to evacuate meibomian gland obstruction. Patients were reassessed one week, one month and three months after treatment.

Results:

One month after treatment, symptoms improved in 100% of eyes. The mean pre-treatment ICU score increased from 46.05 ± 13.68 to 54.58 ± 13.04 at one week 67.12 ± 23.65 at 1 month post-treatment. The average ICU showed a 45.75% at one month increase in lipid secretion. Patients reported no discomfort or pain during or after treatment

Conclusions:

Meibomiam gland produce the lipid component of the tear film, that prevents evaporation of the water component. The LipiView system provides detailed informations that helps to detect diagnosis of MGD. The LipiFlow system proved to be an effective treatment for MGD and evaporative dry eye. This treatment maybe considered for patients with MGD prior to laser refractive surgery or advanced technology IOL implantation in order to optimize tear film, generate accurate preoperative refractive data and thus optimize surgical outcome.

Financial Interest:

... receives consulting fees, retainer, or contract payments from a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented, ... travel has been funded, fully or partially, by a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented