Randomised masked clinical trial of the MGDRx eyebag for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction-related evaporative dry eye

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the MGDRx EyeBag (The Eyebag Company, Halifax, UK) eyelid warming device. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with confirmed meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)-related evaporative dry eye were enrolled into a randomised, single masked, contralateral clinical trial. Test eyes received a heated device; control eyes a non-heated device for 5 min twice a day for 2 weeks. Efficacy (ocular symptomology, non-invasive break-up time, lipid layer thickness, osmolarity, meibomian gland dropout and function) and safety (visual acuity, corneal topography, conjunctival hyperaemia and staining) measurements were taken at baseline and follow-up. Subsequent patient device usage and ocular comfort was ascertained at 6 months. RESULTS: Differences between test and control eyes at baseline were not statistically significant for all measurements (p>0.05). After 2 weeks, statistically significant improvements occurred in all efficacy measurements in test eyes (p<0.05). Visual acuity and corneal topography were unaffected (p>0.05). All patients maintained higher ocular comfort after 6 months (p<0.05), although the benefit was greater in those who continued usage 1–8 times a month (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The MGDRx EyeBag is a safe and effective device for the treatment of MGD-related evaporative dry eye. Subjective benefit lasts at least 6 months, aided by occasional retreatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01870180.