Acta Scientific Ophthalmology (ISSN: 2582-3191)

Research Article Volume 3 Issue 11

Low Level Light Therapy as an Adjunct Treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Karl Stonecipher1*, Casey Komm1 and Richard Potvin2

1Physicians Protocol Greensboro, NC, USA
2Science in Vision, Bend, OR, USA

*Corresponding Author: Karl Stonecipher, Physicians Protocol Greensboro, NC, USA.

Received: September 20, 2020; Published: October 07, 2020

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Abstract

Importance: This study highlights the adjunctive value of low-level light therapy (LLLT) in the management of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Background: To evaluate the effects of LLLT treatment on clinical measures of dry eye related to MGD in patients unresponsive to previous therapies.

Design: A retrospective chart review of patients treated at one site.

Participants: Fifty eyes of 25 treated patients who were documented treatment failures with previous pharmaceuticals and/or devices were evaluated.

Methods: LLLT treatment consisted of 3 treatments in one week, with adjunct use of a topical steroid/antibiotic combination. The post-treatment diagnostic measures had to have been made 3 to 5 weeks after the last LLLT treatment.

Main Outcome Measures: Results included changes in the graded MGD score (grading scale 0 - 4), tear breakup time (TBUT), an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire score and lissamine green (LG) staining.

Results: Significant improvements in the mean OSDI score (p = 0.002), MGD grading (p < 0.001), TBUT (p < 0.001) and both nasal and temporal LG staining (p < 0.02) were observed after treatment. An MGD grade reduction of 1 or more was observed in 72% of eyes (36/50), and 2 or more in 32% of eyes (16/50). There were no ocular or facial adverse events or side effects related to the treatment.

Conclusion: The application of LLLT over a short series of sessions for the treatment of MGD appeared to be beneficial in the majority of patients who had failed to improve with alternative pharmaceutical and device interventions.

Keywords: LLLT; Low Level Light Therapy; Meibomian Gland Dysfunction; Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI); Dry Eye Disease (DED)

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References

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Citation

Citation: Karl Stonecipher., et al. “Low Level Light Therapy as an Adjunct Treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction". Acta Scientific Ophthalmology 3.11 (2020): 13-18.




Metrics

Acceptance rate35%
Acceptance to publication20-30 days
ISI- IF1.042
JCR- IF0.24

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