Noninvasive Ocular Surface Workup in Patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Using Microwave-Heated Eye Bag

Purpose: To report the outcomes of a novel microwave heating device (Blepha EyeBag (R)) used serially for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Patients and Methods: This prospective single center study was conducted at University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro. Patients were instructed to apply the compress twice daily for 15 days and once per day every two days, as reported in the package insert. Outcome measures were i) ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score, ii) tear meniscus height (TMH), iii) non-invasive keratograph break-up time (NIKBUT) (first and average), iv) meiboscore, v) bulbar redness. Evaluations were performed at baseline (T0) after 15 days (T1) and after 45 days of therapy (T2). Results: Overall, 19 patients with MGD (8 males, 11 females; mean age 64.58 +/- 9.72 years) were included. The mean value of OSDI score showed a significant decrease from 28.16 +/- 17.46 at T0 to 13.69 +/- 7.62 at T2 (p=0.008). The mean value of NIKBUT first significantly increased from 6.67 +/- 3.51 seconds (s) at T0 to 10.46 +/- 4.64 at T2 (p=0.0121); in parallel, the mean value of NIKBUT average increased significantly from 11.09 +/- 4.15 s at T0 to 14.95 +/- 4.85 at T2 (p=0.0049). No significant differences were detected at each time point for bulbar redness, meiboscore and TMH. Throughout the entire study, no adverse events were recorded. Conclusion: The microwave -heated eye bag treatment is both safe and effective for treatment of MGD, being able to significantly ameliorate both patient -reported symptoms and tear film stability.