The current study aims to test the efficacy of treatment for a device that utilises a thermal pulsation system, which applies heat from the inner surface of the eyelids (Lipiflow) in patients suffering from meibomian gland dysfunction. Patients will be asked to undergo a one-time treatment with Lipiflow and the investigators will monitor them for changes in tear film and lipid composition, as well as changes in the anatomy of meibomian glands for over a study period of 12 weeks. Additionally, dry eye symptoms will be documented in form of questionnaires. The investigators hypothesize that the treatment will be effective in improving clinical signs and will relieve dry eye symptoms for the patient. If this method of managing Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is found to be efficacious and safe, it will be made available to patients in Singapore.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
25
Singapore National Eye Centre
Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
ocular discomfort
Time frame: 3 months
Tear Break Up Time (TBUT)
Time frame: 3 months
Number of blocked meibomian glands
Time frame: 3 months
Corneal fluorescein staining score
Time frame: 3 months
To measure the production of tears
Schirmer's test uses paper strips inserted into the lower eyelid (conjunctival sac)for 5 minutes to measure the production of tears. Both eyes are tested at the same time. The paper is then removed and the amount of moisture is measured.
Time frame: 3 months
Tear evaporimetry
Time frame: 3 months
Lipid layer thickness
Time frame: 3 months
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