title: A randomised controlled trial comparing a thermal massager with artificial teardrops for the treatment of dry eye.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a thermal massager for the treatment of dry eye syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-five patients with dry eye syndrome were randomly assigned to receive either the thermal massager or artificial tears treatment. Thermal massage consisted of vibration, massage and thermotherapy and was carried out twice daily. Patients in the artificial tears group received 0.1% sodium hyaluronate solution five times daily. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, break-up time (BUT), Schirmer test, fluorescein staining of the cornea, tear osmolarity test and adverse events were evaluated after 4 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  OSDI showed a significant improvement in both groups and improvement was significantly greater in thermal massager group (p=0.032). BUT and fluorescein staining also indicated significant improvement. No differences were found between the two groups in measures other than the OSDI. Adverse events were mild and transient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Thermal massage was effective in improving dry eye syndrome both subjectively and objectively. It was safe and seems to be a useful treatment option.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, , Yangsan, Korea.
authors.forename: Ji-Eun
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Na Mi
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Jae Wook
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Su Jin
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Jong Soo
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Ji Eun
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013666:Tears / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid
keywords: Clinical Trial; Lacrimal Gland; Ocular Surface; Tears; Treatment Other