Zeitschrift für klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie
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Abstrakt

Low Level Light Therapy plus Compression of Meibomian Glands for the Treatment of Evaporative Dry Eye

Fermin Silva Cayatopa, Lizbeth Katherine Vilela Lazo, Pedro Tinoco Mendez, Ana Luisa Gonzalez Mendez

Aim: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of low-level light therapy+meibomian gland compression in patients with evaporative dry eye due to meibomian gland dysfunction.

Materials and methods: Prospective study that included 39 patients who underwent low-level light therapy with eye light^®+meibomian gland compression at Clinica La Luz in Lima, Peru. Performing a total of 4 sessions with a time interval of 15 days per session with 15 mins duration. Evaluating the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, Non-invasive Keratograph Break-up Time (NIKBUT), non-invasive tear rupture time, non-invasive meniscometry, pre-meibography to see the degree of atrophy, quality and quantity of meibum compression of meibomian glands, classified from 1 to 4, the presence and decrease of telangiectasias.

Results: In NIKBUT, mean (± SD) before 3.93 ± 1.61, one month after the first 2 sessions 13.57 ± 4.31, up to 8 months of follow-up 19.36 ± 3.32. Being statistically significant (P<0.001). In meniscometry, mean (± SD) before 0.19 ± 0.02, one month after the first 2 sessions 0.30 ± 0.05, 0.32 ± 0.04 after 6 months of follow-up, being statistically significant (P<0.001). In OSDI, the mean (± SD ) pre was 38.85 ± 8.02 , at month 13.03 ± 5.77 and 3 months 13.54 ± 2.98 and 6 months the mean (± SD ) pre was 12.64 ± 3.02. Being statistically significant (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Low Level light Therapy (LLLT)+meibomian gland compression is safe and effective, reducing the symptoms and signs of dry eye for up to 8 months of follow-up. Being an alternative option for patients who do not improve with conventional treatment. However, more long-term studies are needed.