Vectored thermal pulsation delivers long-lasting MGD improvement
Follow-up from a study enrolling 200 patients with meibomian gland dysfuction showed a single treatment with vectored thermal pulsation afforded improvements in symptoms and meibomian gland function.
Reviewed by Edward J. Holland, MD
Cincinnati, OH-Vectored thermal pulsation (VTP; LipiFlow System, TearScience) is effective treatment for meibomian gland disease (MGD), and the benefit from a single procedure is sustained in the vast majority of patients for at least 1 year, according to the published results form a prospective, multicenter, open-label clinical trial [Blackie CA, et al. Clin Ophthalmol. 2016;10:1385-1396].
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“We have been lacking good therapies for MGD, which is the most common cause of dry eye disease, and so VTP has been a real breakthrough. Still, there has been a lingering question about the duration of its effect,” said Edward J. Holland, MD, one of the study coauthors and director of cornea services, Cincinnati Eye Institute, Cincinnati, OH.
“This is one of the first studies including long-term follow-up after VTP treatment, and the results show that 86% of patients maintain improvement of meibomian gland function and MGD-related symptoms that lasts for at least 1 year after a single session. This is compelling information for counseling patients that VTP, which is not reimbursable, is a worthwhile procedure.”
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The study included 400 eyes of 200 patients who were initially randomized to a single, 12-minute VTP treatment or to a control group to use standardized conventional treatment for MGD with twice daily application of warm compresses for 10 minutes plus eyelid hygiene. Responses were assessed after 3 months, and no other treatments for MGD or dry eye disease were allowed during the randomized study phase.
The patients in the study had a mean age of 56 years and 71% were females. The two study groups were comparable with respect to demographics and baseline MGD features.
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