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. 2024 May 30;12(11):1119.
doi: 10.3390/healthcare12111119.

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for Dry Eye Disease: Analyzing Temporal Changes in Tear Film Stability and Ocular Surface between IPL Sessions

Cristina-Patricia Pac  1 , José-María Sánchez-González  2 , Carlos Rocha-de-Lossada  3   4   5   6 , Nadina Mercea  7 , Francis Ferrari  8 , Maria Alexandra Preda  1 , Cosmin Rosca  9 , Mihnea Munteanu  1
Affiliations

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for Dry Eye Disease: Analyzing Temporal Changes in Tear Film Stability and Ocular Surface between IPL Sessions

Cristina-Patricia Pac et al. Healthcare (Basel). .

Abstract

Background: Dry eye disease (DED), a prevalent condition with a multifactorial etiology, significantly impacts global health by causing discomfort and visual disturbance. This historical cohort study evaluates the efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy on meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)-related evaporative DED.

Methods: The study involved 110 patients (220 eyes) who underwent IPL therapy. Ethical approval was secured, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. A Tearcheck® (ESWvision, Houdan, France) device was used for ocular surface evaluation, measuring tear film stability (NIFBUT, NIABUT), tear film quantity (CTMH, TTMH), and inflammation (OSIE). The study assessed tear film and ocular surface health across multiple IPL sessions.

Results: Significant improvements were observed in subjective symptoms (EFT score increased from 29.10 ± 8.87 to 35.91 ± 7.03, p < 0.01), tear film stability (NIFBUT increased from 9.37 ± 6.04 to 10.78 ± 5.83 s, p < 0.01; NIABUT increased from 11.07 ± 4.98 to 12.34 ± 4.66 s, p < 0.01), and tear film surface evaluation (TFSE score decreased from 337.78 ± 414.08 to 206.02 ± 240.44, p < 0.01). Tear film quantity remained unchanged (CTMH and TTMH, p > 0.05).

Conclusions: IPL therapy is a promising treatment for DED, improving symptoms and ocular surface health. Further research is warranted to explore long-term efficacy and optimization.

Keywords: dry eye disease; evaporative dry eye; intense pulsed light; meibomian gland dysfunction; ocular surface health; tear film stability.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Stages of IPL treatment process: (A) patient just prior to treatment, wearing protective eyewear shields with conductive gel applied. (B) Application of IPL treatment. (C) Patient’s skin condition immediately after removal of conductive gel.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The IPL machine used in the study; Tearstim® (ESWvision, Houdan, France) technology developed by ESWvision, Houdan, France.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Sequential assessment of ocular health parameters across IPL therapy sessions. (A) Eye Fitness Test (EFT) comparison in score points. (B) Non-Invasive First Break-Up Time (NIFBUT) analysis in seconds. (C) Non-Invasive Average Break-Up Time (NIABUT) distribution in seconds. (D) Tear Film Stability Evaluation (TFSE) scores in score points.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Analysis of tear volume and inflammation through IPL sessions. (A) Central Tear Meniscus Height (CTMH) in millimeters. (B) Thinnest Tear Meniscus Height (TTMH) in millimeters. (C) Ocular surface inflammatory evaluation (OSIE) with fluorescein Thilorbin in percentages. (D) OSIE capture time in seconds.
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