Effectiveness of Eyelid Massager in Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Investigating the Efficacy of the Eyepeace Eye-lid Massager in Patients With Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Related Evaporative Dry Eye

  • IRAS ID

    221372

  • Contact name

    Jonathan Moore

  • Contact email

    gary.mcardle@cathedraleye.com

  • Sponsor organisation

    Cathedral Eye Clinic

  • ISRCTN Number

    ISRCTN18423965

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 3 months, 0 days

  • Research summary

    Dry eye syndrome, or dry eye disease (DED), is a common medical condition that arises when the eyes do not make enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to the eyes becoming dry, red, and irritated. DED is also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or "dry eye". The symptoms of dry eye syndrome can be mild for a majority of people, although in severe cases it is painful and leads to further complications. Symptoms include dryness, grittiness, soreness, burning and red eyes, and temporarily blurred vision which usually improves after blinking. Some people may also experience watery eyes due to dry eye symptoms.
    Blinking is important as it distributes the tears over the eye, lubricating the surface and also providing protective shield and nutrients to the eye. Blinking also squeezes glands, on the lid margin of the eye called meibomian glands. When they are not squeezed, they do not release the oily layer (meibum) of the tears – reducing tear quality and leading to DED. In addition, blocked meibomian glands cannot become unblocked without treatment leading to meibomian gland dysfunction. Eventually, without treatment, the glands begin to atrophy and can no longer function again. Eyelid massage helps to encourage the meibum out of the glands allowing them to function normally.
    The purpose of our study is to document the benefits of using a manual eyelid massager made from medical grade silicone that is easy to use and hygienic, for effective management of DED.

  • REC name

    HSC REC B

  • REC reference

    17/NI/0085

  • Date of REC Opinion

    26 Jun 2017

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion