Eyelid Warming Technology for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Summary

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), an extremely common clinical condition (seen in more than half of some Asian populations), affects the lipid producing meibomian glands in the eyelids. One function of the glandular secretions is to reduce evaporation of the tear film. In MGD the meibomian glands may become blocked for various reasons. The consequential retention and stasis of the secretion increases immune response as well as scarring response. This eventually results in an abnormal tear film and dry eye symptoms.

The current standard treatments include warm moist compresses, regular lid hygiene, oral antibiotics, topical antibiotic ointments and Omega 3 supplementation. Heating for an extended duration is important because it relieves the occlusion of blocked meibomian glands. However, improvised methods of heating are cumbersome and inefficient requiring repeated measures, often leading to lack of compliance. Today, there is a wider range of commercially available devices that help to unblock meibomian glands and relief dry eye symptoms. These devices may improve MGD treatment dramatically, but have not been tested in the warm climate of Singapore, and are not readily available.

The current study aims to test the efficacy of treatment for devices that utilize A) warm moisture (Blephasteam) and B) warmth (EyeGiene) in patients suffering from meibomian gland dysfunction. Patients will be asked to use Blephasteam and EyeGiene for a period of 4 weeks. The study will monitor patients for changes in tear film and lipid composition, as well as changes in the anatomy of meibomian glands. Additionally, dry eye symptoms will be documented in form of questionnaires. If the newer methods of managing MGD are found to be efficacious and safe, these treatment measures can be made available to patients in Singapore.

Conditions

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Interventions

DEVICE

Blephasteam

10 minute treatment twice daily

DEVICE

EyeGiene

10 minute treatment, twice daily

DEVICE

Hot compresses

10 minute treatment, twice daily

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Singapore Eye Research Institute

  collaborator OTHER

• National University of Singapore

  collaborator OTHER

• Singapore National Eye Centre

  lead OTHER_GOV

Principal Investigators

• Louis Tong, PhD · Singapore National Eye Centre

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

21 Years

Max Age

90 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2011-12-31

Primary Completion

2013-12-31

Completion

2013-12-31

Countries

• Singapore

Study Locations