Intense pulsed light therapy may significantly improve quality of life in MGD, dry eye

“IPL has much promise in treatment of refractory meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye disease. The development of new protocols for eye and eyelash protection, as well as adaptors for the eyelids, treating both the upper and lower, can be not only safe, but also more effective,” said at the virtual American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery annual meeting.

Zhang-Nunes and colleagues explored the safety and efficacy of a novel augmented protocol using an intense pulsed light (IPL) machine on the upper and lower eyelids and its effect on meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye disease.

Patients were continued on their existing dry eye regimens in addition to undergoing IPL treatment. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations and surveys were administered.

The IPL protocol included the upper eyelids, lower eyelids and face. Gold-plated metal shields and tongue depressors were used for eye and eyelid protection.

The retrospective medical chart review included 47 patients who underwent the protocol between Jan. 1, 2015, and Feb. 28, 2020. All patients with MGD and dry eye disease reported improvements in their blepharitis and dry eye symptoms with minimal adverse events. Patients with MGD frequently reported reduced hordeola, Zhang-Nunes said.