Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To test the effect of a novel device to administer meibomian therapy as heat on lipid layer thickness [LLT] and symptoms in patients with dry eye. Study design: Randomised, prospective, controlled, observer masked, single intervention study. Methods: 12 patients were treated with the device for 10 minutes and 12 underwent no treatment. Lipid layer thickness [LLT] and dry eye symptom score were assessed before, initially after and 30 minutes after intervention. Results:For treated eyes LLT increased by 1.2 levels for right and 1.0 level for left initially p<0.0005, and 0.7 level for right and 0.6 level for left after 30 minutes p<0.005. The control group showed no change in LLT. Dry eye symptom scores were significantly improved in the treatment group initially p<0.05 and 30 minutes after intervention p<0.02 compared with the control group. Conclusions: This device increases LLT and reduces symptoms in patients with dry eye.
Keywords: cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye • lipids