The goal of this clinical trial is to understand novel treatment methods for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)-associated dry eye disease (DED) by comparing two treatment modalities- intense pulsed light (IPL) and thermal pulsation therapy (TPT), to find out the difference of their therapeutic mechanisms and treatment effects, so that eye doctors can give more precise advice to the patients when making treatment decisions. The main questions it aims to answer are: * What subtype of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) better responds to which treatment modality? * How long do the treatment effects last? Researchers will compare each group (IPL and TPT) to a control group treated with eyedrops. \* Do combined treatment of IPL or TPT with eyedrops show better outcomes than only eyedrops? Participants will: * Receive different treatment for 2 months according to the group they were randomly allocated to. * Visit the clinic for checkups after 1 and 3 months after completing the treatment sessions.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
45
Intense pulsed light exerts photothermal, photochemical effects, and photobiomodulation on meibomian glands.
Thermal pulsation therapy utilizes local heating and massage on the eyelids.
Ocular lubricants moisturize the ocular surface.
Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
Taipei, Taiwan
Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire
Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was assessed by participants in each follow-ups.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of post-treatment follow-up at 5 months.
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