Work

Long-term efficacy of three treatments for severe MGD: a comparative study in Chinese patients

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the long-term efficacy of manual meibomian gland expression (MGX), intense pulsed light combine with MGX (IPL+MGX), and LipiFlow in treating severe meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in Chinese patients. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, 95 patients with severe MGD were assigned to MGX (n = 33), IPL+MGX (n = 31), or LipiFlow (n = 31) groups. Clinical parameters-including Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), lipid layer thickness (LLT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), Schirmer I test (SIT), meibomian gland expressibility (MGE), and meibography score-were evaluated at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: All treatments significantly improved ocular symptoms and signs from baseline. IPL+MGX group achieved the most consistent and sustained improvement in OSDI and NIBUT throughout follow-up. LLT increased in all groups, peaking at 3 months and remaining elevated at 6 months, with no significant intergroup differences. CFS scores improved across all groups, with IPL+MGX and MGX showing faster early recovery. SIT remained unchanged, suggesting improvements stemmed primarily from lipid layer enhancement. Meibography scores showed minimal change. CONCLUSION: MGX, IPL+MGX, and LipiFlow were all effective in improving signs and symptoms in severe MGD. IPL+MGX provide the most consistent long-term benefits in stabilizing tear film and alleviating symptoms.. These findings highlight the importance of individualized treatment strategies based on MGD severity and patient factors.

Source: International Ophthalmology

DOI: 10.1007/s10792-025-03792-z

Authors: Yuping Han, Shuangmei Zhang, Xiangrong Xie, Dakun Ren, Ying Zhang, Xuming Guo

Institutions: Shanxi Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital Group (China), Changzhi Medical College

Language: English

Topic: Ocular Surface and Contact Lens

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,790