Abstract
Purpose :
With a high prevalence of dry eye due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in the general population, effective methods of treatment are becoming very important. The purpose of this study is to present data on the effectiveness of the use of a red light technology called the Quantum (or Q). This Q was developed as an at home therapy to directly affect the meibomian gland secretions and thereby alleviate the symptoms of dry eye.
Methods :
This prospective study measured non-invasive break up time (NIBUT) with the Oculus Keratograph before and after treatment with the Q. Patients were selected based on dry eye symptoms, NIBUT less than 10 sec, and clinical observation of MGD. Patients were instructed to place the Q over closed eyes for 3 minutes on each eye at least twice a week. Patients could not use the Q more than once a day. 52 patients were included in the study and treatment times ranged from 1 to 12 months.
Results :
NIBUT data before and after treatment was achieved on 81 eyes. The mean NIBUT before treatment was 3.62 sec with a standard deviation of 2.05. Values ranged from 0.9 sec to 8.54 sec. Mean NIBUT post treatment was 5.87sec with a standard deviation of 2.95. Values ranged from 1.5 sec to 16.19 sec. T-test results show the difference to be statistically significant (P <0.001). No statistical significance found between right eyes (N=41) and left eyes (N=40) before treatment (P=0.53) or after treatment (P=0.75).
Conclusions :
On average, at home use of the Q shows a statistically significant improvement in NIBUT. This prototype has been developed over several years and once ready for public distribution may be dispensed by physicians in treating evaporative dry eye due to MGD as an alternative to oral and topical medications.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2017 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Baltimore, MD, May 7-11, 2017.