Effects of Red Light Technology on Dry-Eye Disease Due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Purpose
To present data on the effectiveness of a red light technology (RLT) in treating evaporative dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Methods
This prospective study measured tear break up time (TBUT) before and after treatment with red light technology with wavelengths of light between 600 and 650 nm. Patients were selected based on dry eye symptoms, TBUT less than 10 sec, and clinical observation of MGD. Patients were instructed to place the RLT over closed eyes for 3 minutes on each eye at least twice a week. Patients could not use the RLT more than once a day. 52 patients were included in the study and were treated for 3 months.
Results
TBUT data before and after treatment was achieved on 81 eyes. The mean TBUT before treatment was 3.62 sec with a standard deviation of 2.05. Values ranged from 0.9 sec to 8.54 sec. Mean TBUT 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). Over 90% of patients reported improvement in their dry eye symptoms.
Conclusion
On average, treatment with RLT shows a statistically significant improvement in TBUT. This may be a future light treatment for the improvement of dry eye disease.