Session Title: Special Issues
Session Date/Time: Friday 15/02/2013 | 08:30-10:00
Paper Time: 08:36
Venue: Hall 2
First Author: : M.Piovella ITALY
Co Author(s): : B. Kusa
Purpose:
To evaluate a new system for the thermal pulsation treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD) in evaporative dry eye patients.
Setting:
CMA Centro Microchirurgia Ambulatoriale , Monza, Italy
Methods:
Twenty three (23) eyes of twelve (12) patients (mean age 57.22 ± 16.01 years) were diagnosed with MGD based on the following criteria: the results of a symptom questionnaire and quantification of the lipid layer thickness using interferometric color units (ICU) as determined by the LipiView (TearScience, Morrisville, NC), and standardized meibomian gland expression to determine meibomian gland functionality.
Criteria for treatment eligibility were LipiView score ≤ 70 ICU and meibonian gland function evaluation . Eligible patients received a 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 to the outer surfaces and heat to the inner surfaces of the eyelids, intended to evacuate meibomian gland obstructions. Patients were reassessed - at 1 - months post treatment.
Results:
In all eyes, the symptoms had decreased at 1 - months post-treatment. The mean pre-treatment ICU score is increased from 40.13 ± 9.99 to 68.39 ± 23.57 at 1 month post-treatment. The AVG ICU showed a 70.42% increase. Patients reported no discomfort or pain during or after treatment.
Conclusions:
This new system provides an effective and efficient means of treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction and evaporative dry eye. For patients with MGD, this treatment should be considered prior to laser assisted refractive surgery or advanced technology lens implantation in order to optimize the tear film and thus optimize surgical outcomes.
Financial Disclosure:
... receives consulting fees, retainer, or contract payments from a competing company, ... travel has been funded, fully or partially, by a competing company
