Tear film lipid layer thickness and ocular comfort after meibomian therapy via latent heat with a novel device in normal subjects.
OBJECTIVE
This study measures changes in tear film lipid layer thickness (LLT) and ocular comfort in normal subjects after 10 min use of a novel device, which delivers meibomian therapy with latent heat. The device is designed to promote the release of meibomian sebum into the tear film by delivering latent heat to the eyelids, thus thickening the lipid layer. Normal lid movements are maintained, facilitating resurfacing of the tear film.


METHODS
A prospective, controlled, observer masked, single intervention trial in which 24 normal subjects were randomised into three groups. Group I underwent 10 min treatment with the activated device, Group II used the inactivated device for the same duration of time, and Group III had no intervention. The LLT of each subject was measured with a Keeler Tearscope prior and subsequent to the 10-min period. Subjective alteration in ocular comfort was also assessed.


RESULTS
Seven of eight subjects (87.5%) in Group I exhibited an increase in LLT. The mean LLT in this group showed a statistically significant increase (left eyes 1.0 levels, P<0.001, right eyes 0.9 levels, P<0.003) compared to Groups II and III. Six of eight subjects (75%) using the activated device experienced subjective improvement in ocular comfort.


CONCLUSIONS
Meibomian therapy with this device increases LLT in normal individuals. This implies a more stable tear film, reflected in subjective improvement in ocular comfort.
Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Eye Infirmary, Plymouth PL4 6PL, UK.
M
M
Mitra
G J
GJ
Menon
A
A
Casini
S
S
Hamada
D
D
Adams
C
C
Ricketts
E T
ET
Fuller
J R
JR
Fuller
D000328:Adult; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005143:Eyelids; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008297:Male; D008537:Meibomian Glands / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013666:Tears
D008051:Lipid Bilayers