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
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