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Red light technology improves tear break-up in dry eye
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The at-home use of a red light therapy was shown to affect the meibomian gland secretions and alleviate the symptoms of dry eye, according to a report at the Association for Research and Vision in Ophthalmology annual meeting.
The prospective study measured noninvasive break-up time (NIBUT) with the Oculus Keratograph before and after treatment with the Quantum red light technology.
A total of 52 patients placed the device over closed eyes for 3 minutes on each eye at least twice a week; they could not use the device more than once a day. Total treatment times ranged from 1 to 12 months.
The mean NIBUT before treatment was 3.62 seconds and post-treatment it was 5.87 seconds.
“We found this low-level light treatment to be safe and improve TBUT, Rolando Toyos, OD, said in an interview with Primary Care Optometry News. “The improvement in TBUT is better with intense pulsed light (IPL), but that is more energy and has to be delivered by a doctor. Patients report an improvement of their dry eye symptoms. We see this as a great adjunct to IPL.”
Reference:
Toyos R, et al. The effects of red light technology on dry eye due to meibomian gland dysfunction. Presented at: Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology annual meeting; May 7-11, 2017; Baltimore.
Disclosure: Toyos is a consultant for Shire and Lumenis.