Intense Pulsed Light for Dry Eye/Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Wednesday, December 3 2025 | 09 h 15 min | Vision Science
Based on: Eye (Nature), 2024 – Prospective Cohort Study
At a Glance
- Population: Refractory meibomian gland dysfunction, including glaucoma patients
- Intervention: Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy
- Duration: 12 months follow-up
- Key outcomes: Symptom scores, tear film stability, meibum quality
Summary
A prospective study followed patients with persistent dry eye from MGD who received IPL treatment. Over 12 months, most showed sustained improvements in tear break-up time, meibum expression, and symptom relief. Importantly, the benefit held in patients with challenging profiles such as those using glaucoma medications, though telangiectasia reduction appeared less pronounced in that subgroup.
Practice Considerations
- IPL may offer long-term relief for patients unresponsive to conventional therapies.
- Benefits appear durable but should be framed with realistic expectations.
- Patients on chronic glaucoma drops may still improve, though outcomes can be muted.
- Maintenance routines such as lid hygiene remain crucial after IPL.
Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!
