Efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light direct eyelid application

To describe the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light (IPL) applied directly on the eyelids of patients with Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) without corneal shield protector. Observational retrospective single centre study where patients underwent 3 treatment sessions of IPL with 2 weeks of interval. The IPL was carried out with Lumenis OPT M22 with a double pass technique of 12 impacts on the infraorbital/lower eyelid region with the 15 × 35 mm guide light (step 1) and a double pass technique of 3 impacts over the upper eyelids with the 8 × 15 mm guide light (step 2). The follow up was conducted through Oculus Keratograph 5 M. 30 patients were enrolled in the study. Although there were no significant differences (p > 0.05), non-invasive tear break-up time, ocular redness, and OSDI questionnaire improved during the 3 IPL sessions. A significant improvement (p = 0.024) in the percentage of meibomian gland loss was also observed. Regarding tear meniscus, it was found similar measurements before and after treatment. No serious adverse effects were reported during the procedure or in subsequent follow-up. Preliminary results suggest that IPL therapy applied directly on the eyelids without corneal shield could be safe and effective in the treatment of MGD.