May 2008
Volume 49, Issue 13
Free
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   May 2008
Effects of Stimulation of the Periocular Region by a Modified Tens-Unit on Meibomian Gland Secretion
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • C. A. Wilson
    University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas
  • H. G. Sperling
    University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas
    Ophthalmology and Visual Science,
  • R. W. Yee
    University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas
    Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science,
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships  C.A. Wilson, None; H.G. Sperling, None; R.W. Yee, Dr. Yee has a proprietary interest in the modified TENS-unit used in this study, P.
  • Footnotes
    Support  None.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science May 2008, Vol.49, 119. doi:
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      C. A. Wilson, H. G. Sperling, R. W. Yee; Effects of Stimulation of the Periocular Region by a Modified Tens-Unit on Meibomian Gland Secretion. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2008;49(13):119.

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Abstract

Purpose: : To evaluate the effects of stimulation of the periocular region by a modified TENS unit on meibomian gland secretion.

Methods: : Subjects in the treatment group were treated with low voltage, low amperage stimulation to the lower periocular area with a specifically designed modified TENS unit for approximately five minutes. The control group had the stimulator placed on the lower periocular area for approximately five minutes without stimulation. The process was digitally video recorded. The recordings were evaluated by an experienced observer who was masked from the stimulus conditions, answering the following questions:1.) Did you notice increased tear volume at the lower lid tear meniscus?2.) Did you notice periodic twitching of the lower eye lid?3.) Did you notice whitening or any secretion around the meibomian gland orifices?4.) Did you notice debris in the tear film after stimulation?

Results: : Increased tear volume at the lower lid tear meniscus was noticed in 50% of the treatment group (n=6) and 33% of the control group (n=3). Periodic twitching of the lower eye lid was noticed in 83% of the treatment group and in 33% of the control group. Whitening or secretion around the miebomian gland orifices was noticed in 50% of the treatment group and in 33% of the control group. Debris in the tear film after stimulation was noticed in 33% of the treatment group and in 0% of the control group.Patients in the treatment group reported a mild tingling sensation with no discomfort, and one patient in the control group reported the same.

Conclusions: : Periodic stimulation of the lower lid may have a therapeutic value in the treatment of meibomian gland disease, especially obstructive meibomian gland disease.

Keywords: cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye • eyelid • cornea: surface mucins 
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