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Abstract

Purpose:
To evaluate the clinical and structural outcomes of Intense Regulated Pulsed Light (IRPL) therapy in patients with moderate to severe Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), using the IDRA Ocular Surface Analyzer as the primary assessment tool.
Methods:
This cohort study included 124 eyes of patients with moderate to severe MGD treated with three IRPL sessions over six weeks at Chaudhary Eye Centre & Laser Vision. Clinical parameters such as Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT), Non-Invasive Break-Up Time (NIBUT), Tear Meniscus Height (TMH), Lipid Layer Thickness (LLT), blink rate, and meibomian gland dropout were measured using the IDRA analyzer at baseline and after each session. A validated questionnaire was used post-treatment to assess symptom relief, satisfaction, and side effects. Data were analyzed using the Friedman test and Durbin-Conover post hoc comparisons.
Results:
Statistically significant improvements were observed in all clinical and structural parameters (p < 0.001). TBUT increased from 3–4 to over 12 seconds, NIBUT from 2.5 to 10.5 seconds, TMH from 0.105 to 0.433 mm, and LLT from 35 to over 83 nm. Blink rate normalized, and meibography revealed reduced gland dropout. Over 85% of patients reported moderate to complete symptom relief, and 54.84% reported high satisfaction. Side effects were minimal and self-resolving.
Conclusion:
IRPL therapy is an effective and well-tolerated intervention for moderate to severe MGD, providing substantial clinical and structural improvement. Maintenance sessions may be required to sustain long-term benefits.