Efficacy and Safety evaluation of a single thermal pulsation system treatment (Lipiflow®) on meibomian gland dysfunction: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Repeatability of biometry in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction before and after vectored thermal pulsation therapy: A randomized, controlled trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of vectored thermal pulsation therapy (VTPT) on the repeatability of biometry readings of two different optical biometers in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

METHODS

Patients affected by MGD were included in this prospective, randomized, controlled, investigator-masked study. One eye was randomized to VTPT (LipiFlow®, Johnson & Johnson), and the contralateral eye served as a control. Three visits were scheduled at baseline, 2 weeks and 3 months after the treatment. The main outcome parameter of the study was the repeatability of three calculations of emmetropic intraocular lens power (EIOLP) at the 3 months visit as compared to baseline using an optical biometer (IOLMaster® 700, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG). Repeatability of different keratometry values obtained by the optical biometer and a Placido-disc topographer (MS-39®, CSO) served as secondary outcome parameters.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients were included in the final analysis. While tear film parameters improved in the study eyes, there were no significant differences regarding the repeatability of three EIOLP measurements between baseline and 3-months-visit in both eyes (p > 0.05) and keratometry measurements in both the optical biometer and the Placido-disc topographer. Remarkably, throughout all study visits, there were some outliers regarding the repeatability of measurements.

CONCLUSION

While both devices showed high repeatability regarding EIOLP and keratometry, future studies are needed to detect high-risk patients for poor repeatability.

Living with Dry Eye Disease and its Effects on Quality of Life: Patient, Optometrist, and Ophthalmologist Perspectives

Dry eye disease is a very common condition, especially among aging women. People often think of it as a very mild and non-harmful issue, but the reality is that it has a huge deleterious effect on patients' quality of life. Most publications usually focus on the scientific aspects of this pathology: its epidemiology, diagnosis, or management. However, in this article we highlight the patient's perspective and the challenges of living with dry eye disease. With prior informed consent, we interviewed a patient whose life has drastically changed since she first got the diagnosis. We also asked healthcare professionals based in Miami who were involved in this patient's care for their opinions. We hope that the messages and commentaries resonate with patients and physicians involved in the care of dry eye disease worldwide.