Ophthalmology and Therapy (Aug 2024)

Long-Term Impacts of Intense Pulsed Light Therapy on Ocular Surface Health and Tear Film Dynamics in Patients with Dry Eye Disease: Detailed Analysis and Observations Over a 1-Year Follow-Up Period

  • Cristina-Patricia Pac,
  • Mihnea Munteanu,
  • José-María Sánchez-González,
  • Carlos Rocha-de-Lossada,
  • Nadina Mercea,
  • Francis Ferrari,
  • Horia T. Stanca,
  • Dan Andrei Radu Cosnita,
  • Mihaela Ionica,
  • Ovidiu Boruga,
  • Ciprian Danielescu,
  • Alexandru Blidisel

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40123-024-01017-7
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 10
pp. 2715 – 2730

Abstract

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Abstract Introduction To evaluate the long-term effects of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy on patients with dry eye disease (DED) associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Methods A retrospective case series was performed with 110 participants undergoing IPL therapy. Assessments included the eye fitness test (EFT) to gauge subjective symptoms, along with objective measures using the Tearcheck® device (ESW Vision, Houdan, France) noninvasive first breakup time (NIFBUT), noninvasive average breakup time (NIABUT), central tear meniscus height (CTMH), thinnest tear meniscus height (TTMH), and ocular surface inflammatory risk evaluation (OSIE) assessed using the SCHWIND SIRIUS device (SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions GmbH, Kleinostheim, Germany). Results This study documented significant improvements in subjective and objective symptoms associated with DED and MGD. Subjective symptoms measured by the EFT showed an average increase of 9.74 points (range −10 to 28, standard deviation [SD] ± 7.54), indicating reduced symptoms. Objective measures of tear film stability, represented by NIABUT, increased by an average of 4.04 s (range −15.00 to 14.40, SD ± 4.91). Tear film stability evaluation (TFSE) scores decreased by 229.12 points on average (range −1775 to 528, SD ± 384.94), suggesting enhanced tear film stability. OSIE type 1 showed a reduction in inflammation, with a percentage decrease of 4.98% (range −45 to 5, SD ± 7.33). Additionally, OSIE capture time decreased by 3.25 s on average (range −27 to 22, SD ± 10.35), further indicating an improvement in ocular surface health. Conclusion IPL therapy was shown to be a promising, noninvasive approach for improving quality of life in patients with DED by effectively managing symptoms and stabilizing tear film. The findings support the use of IPL as a sustainable treatment modality for DED associated with MGD.

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