Heated eyelid cleaning pads effective at reducing dry eye symptoms
SAN DIEGO — Eyelid margin cleaning at an elevated controlled temperature reduced dry eye symptoms after 7 days in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction, according to a study presented at Academy 2022.
The Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society has recognized at-home eyelid warming and cleaning as standard of care for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), according to the poster. However, controlling the heat delivery has been a challenge.
Researchers evaluated the use of EverTears self-heated eyelid cleaning pads (ThermaMEDx) in 39 patients with MGD. Eighty-seven percent of patients were women, and 72% were 55 years old or older. Sixty-two percent already used eye drops, and 21% used various eyelid warming devices.
N. Ron Melton, OD, of Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, told Healio how the moist eyelid pads work: “You bend it, and it heats up to 40° Celsius in 15 seconds,” he said. “You place it on the eye for 2 minutes and wipe the lid two or three times. Turn it over, and use it again on the other eye. It’s a 5-minute process.”
The maintained temperature keeps the meibum in liquid form, he said, “and you’re wiping while it’s still hot. The controlled moist heat for the appropriate time allows you to milk the oil glands, and you get the cleaning action.”
The study patients filled out the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire at baseline and after 7 and 28 days of eyelid pad use.
For day 7 responders, the mean OSDI score decreased by 12.7 points (baseline, 28.3 ± 17.6 points; day 7, 15.6 ± 13.5 points; P < .001), and the majority of those who reported the most severe symptoms at baseline were classified as asymptomatic at day 7.
For day 28 responders, the mean OSDI score decreased by 18.4 points (baseline, 29.9 ± 16.9 points; day 28, 11.5 ± 11 points; P < .001), and the majority of those who reported the most severe symptoms at baseline were classified as asymptomatic at day 28.
“Of importance for patient acceptance of the prescribed management was that improvement in symptomatology was very rapid and already highly clinically significant after 7 days,” the researchers said in the study.
“This is a unique technology for MGD,” Melton said. “The pads contain emollients, surfactants and moisturizers. It moistens the skin and breaks up the meibum.”
Patients can order the product online, and it will be available in stores, Melton said.
Collapse
Melton R, et al. Benefit of controlled heat and eyelid cleaning in MGD: Real-world usage. Presented at: American Academy of Optometry; Oct. 26-29, 2022; San Diego.
Read more about