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Single thermal pulsation treatment provides sustained dry eye relief
A single vectored thermal pulsation treatment can yield a sustained mean improvement in meibomian gland function and mean reduction in dry eye symptoms over 12 months, according to researchers in Clinical Ophthalmology.
The prospective, multicenter, open-label trial involved 200 subjects (400 eyes) who were randomized to a single vectored thermal pulsation (VTP) treatment or twice-daily, 3-month, conventional warm compress and eyelid hygiene therapy (control group).
Control group subjects received crossover VTP treatment at 3 months.
Researchers found, that at 3 months, the treatment group had greater mean improvement in meibomian gland secretion (MGS) and dry eye symptoms, compared to controls.
At 12 months, 86% of the treatment group had received only one VTP treatment and sustained a mean improvement in MGS from 6.4 ± 3.7 (baseline) to 17.3 ± 9.1 and dry eye symptoms from 44.1 ± 20.4 to 21.6 ± 21.3. In the crossover group, 89% received only one VTP treatment with sustained mean improvement in MGS from 6.3 ± 3.6 to 18.4 ± 11.1 and dry eye symptoms from 49.1 ± 21.0 to 24.0 ± 23.2, according to researchers.
The researchers noted that 86.2% of patients received no additional prescribed therapy for symptom relief during the study period.
Disclosure: Blackie is an employee of TearScience Inc., and the study was funded by TearScience. Please see the full study for all remaining authors’ relevant financial disclosures.