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Single thermal pulsation treatment improves MGD symptoms

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SAN DIEGO — A single thermal pulsation treatment improved symptoms in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction, according to a study presented here.

At the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting, Alice T. Epitropoulos, MD, FACS, described a retrospective study of 51 patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) who received a 12-minute single thermal pulsation treatment of LipiFlow (TearScience), either unilaterally or bilaterally, with follow-up at 6 to 8 weeks.

Alice T. Epitropoulos

“LipiFlow, or thermal pulsation treatment, is a treatment of choice when there’s evidence of MGD or structural abnormalities of the meibomian glands,” Epitropoulos said. “Data have shown that we can start treating these patients and intervening at an earlier stage, and they are going to respond better.”

Symptom scores improved significantly from 16 ± 7.3 at baseline to 11 ± 6.1 after 6 to 8 weeks, with 86% of patients experiencing a reduction in symptoms after treatment. Scores were higher in patients who had bilateral Lipiflow treatment, and women experienced a greater reduction in symptoms than men, Epitropoulos said.

Tear breakup time increased from 4 seconds at baseline to 7.3 seconds at 6 to 8 weeks, indicating stable tear film, she said.

Meibomian gland evaluation scores significantly improved from 3 at baseline to 14 during the follow-up.

“MGD is a progressive disease and if it’s not treated, it can lead to glandular atrophy and loss of function,” Epitropoulos said. “So, if we can get to these patients early, before they have severe damage, then they’re going to become better than if we wait and their glands have atrophy and nonfunction.” – by Kristie L. Kahl

Disclosure: Epitropoulos reports she is a consultant for Allergan, Bausch + Lomb and Shire Pharmaceuticals; a preceptor for TearScience; a researcher for Kala Pharmaceuticals and TearLab; a speaker for Bausch + Lomb and Allergan; and a patent holder for EpiGlare Tester.