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Prospective evaluation of intense pulsed light treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis due to ocular rosacea

  • Clinical Report
  • Published:
European Journal of Dermatology

Abstract

Background

Ocular rosacea is a common skin condition leading to dry eye that is difficult to manage.

Objectives

To estimate the efficacy and safety of a new intense pulsed light device, Thermaeye Plus, for meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis due to ocular rosacea.

Materials & Methods

This prospective, longitudinal study included 74 eyes of 37 consecutive patients with ocular rosacea, with mean age of 45.6 ± 11.7 years. Four consecutive sessions were undertaken, including14 flashes with 10 J/cm2 on the periocular area and facial cheeks on Day 1, 14, 28, and 49. Clinical evaluation was based on: ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and symptom score questionnaires, quality of live and facial severity degree, non-invasive tear meniscus height, non-invasive tear break up time, corneal fluorescein staining and eyelid margin and meibomian gland assessment. Adverse effects on the eye and periocular area, and systemic complications were evaluated.

Results

The OSDI questionnaire showed a decrease in symptoms, achieving normal values in 91.9% of patients. The symptom score showed amelioration, with the most significant changes relating to dryness, foreign body sensation, light sensitivity, and pain. Longitudinal analysis showed the most significant improvement between baseline at Day 1 and 49. All eyelid signs improved, most significantly for telangiectasia/vascularity and blepharitis, leading to a 78% clearance of facial rosacea and 81.1% reduction of flushing. In total, 100% of the patients reported an improvement in their quality of life after treatment and 94.6% a very significant improvement (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that Thermaeye Plus is an effective and safe treatment for ocular rosacea.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Universitari Dexeus, Area Oftalmológica Avanzada, Universitat Politécnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain

    Carlos Vergés, Francesc March de Ribot & José Salgado-Borges

  2. Department of Ophthalmology, Girona Hospital, Girona University, Catalunya, Girona, Spain

    Francesc March de Ribot

  3. Clinsborges, Porto, Portugal

    José Salgado-Borges

  4. Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain

    Josep Gonzalez

Authors
  1. Carlos Vergés
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  2. Francesc March de Ribot
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  3. José Salgado-Borges
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  4. Josep Gonzalez
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Josep Gonzalez.

Additional information

Conflicts of interest

C. Verges is consultant to MDS and declares no other conflicts of interest in this study. J. Salgado-Borges, F. March de Ribot and Josep Gonzalez declare no commercial or other conflicts of interest in this study.

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Vergés, C., de Ribot, F.M., Salgado-Borges, J. et al. Prospective evaluation of intense pulsed light treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis due to ocular rosacea. Eur J Dermatol 32, 505–515 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1684/ejd.2022.4301

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1684/ejd.2022.4301

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