Effect of Low-Level Light Therapy on Ocular Surface Parameters in Patients Undergoing Femto-Lasik Surgery

Summary

This study evaluates the role of perioperative low-level light therapy (LLLT) in reducing dry eye disease (DED) symptoms after femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (Femto-LASIK). DED is one of the most frequent complications following Femto-LASIK, potentially affecting both visual recovery and patient satisfaction.

In this prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled trial, adult patients undergoing Femto-LASIK were assigned to receive either periocular LLLT (Eye-light® )or sham treatment before and after surgery. Tear film parameters and ocular surface symptoms were assessed at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively.

Results showed that patients treated with LLLT maintained stable tear volume and reported fewer ocular discomfort symptoms compared with controls, who experienced significant declines. No adverse events related to LLLT were observed.

These findings suggest that perioperative LLLT is a safe and well-tolerated approach that may help preserve tear film stability and improve postoperative comfort in Femto-LASIK patients.

Conditions

• Dry Eye
• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (Disorder)
• Ocular Surface Disease

Interventions

DEVICE

Low-Level Light Therapy

The intervention consists of non-invasive periocular photobiomodulation using the Eye-light® device (Espansione Marketing S.p.A., Italy), which delivers low-level monochromatic red light (633 ± 10 nm) through a specially designed mask. Participants receive two 15-minute sessions, one 7 days before and one 7 days after femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (Femto-LASIK). The treatment is designed to stimulate meibomian gland activity, improve tear film stability, and reduce ocular surface inflammation. This protocol is unique compared to standard post-refractive surgery care because it targets cellular mitochondrial activity to enhance tissue repair and anti-inflammatory effects. It is non-pharmacological, non-contact, and well-tolerated, making it suitable for perioperative application. The light is delivered through closed eyelids, ensuring safety and comfort, and the device used is CE-marked for ophthalmic applications.

DEVICE

Sham (No Treatment)

Participants in the Control group underwent the same procedural setup as the LLLT group, using the Eye-light® device (Espansione Marketing S.p.A., Italy). Instead of delivering therapeutic light energy, the device operated in demo mode, emitting less than 30% of the full treatment power. This configuration mimicked the visual and sensory aspects of a low-level light therapy session without producing biologically effective photobiomodulation. Sham treatment consisted of two 15-minute sessions, one 7 days before and one 7 days after Femto-LASIK. This design ensured masking of participants and investigators while preventing active therapeutic exposure in the control group.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-08-10

Primary Completion

2025-06-11

Completion

2025-07-30

Countries

• Romania

Study Locations