These researchers compared the efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) combined with meibomian gland expression (MGX) and instant warm compresses combined with MGX, for treatment of dry eye disease (DED) due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). In a prospective, multicenter, interventional study, 120 subjects with DED due to MGD were randomized 1:1 to an IPL arm or a control arm. Each subject was treated three times at three-week intervals. The primary outcome measure was the tear break-up time (TBUT). Tear break-up time and a few additional outcome measures were evaluated at the baseline and at three weeks after the last treatment.

All outcome measures improved in both arms, but in general, the improvement was significantly larger in the IPL arm. Tear break-up time increased by 2.3±1.9 and 0.5±1.4 sec, in the IPL and control arms respectively. SPEED was reduced by 38% and 22% in the IPL and control arms, respectively. Meibomian Gland Yielding Secretion Score was improved by 197% in the IPL arm and 96% in the control arm. Corneal fluorescein staining also decreased by 51% and 24% in the IPL and control arms, respectively, but the differences between the two arms were not statistically significant. A composite score of lid margin abnormalities improved in both arms, but more in the IPL arm.

Intense pulsed light combined with MGX therapy was significantly more effective than instant warm compresses followed with MGX. This suggests that the IPL component has a genuine contribution to the improvement of signs and symptoms of DED.

To evaluate recent in vivo studies on emerging therapies for managing corneal epithelial injuries, a search was conducted on PubMed for articles published between January 2015 and September 2019, and in the English language.

Thirty studies were identified for evaluation, including those on mesenchymal stem cells, amniotic membrane-derived therapies, endogenous peptides and their inhibitors, as well as hydrogel therapies. Intermediate to strong levels of evidence was presented regarding the use of these strategies on chemically injured corneas. This included the effect on healing of corneal epithelial defects, anti-inflammatory properties, prevention of corneal neovascularization, as well as restoration of anatomy and functions of the anterior eye, although the researchers wrote that clinical trials would be needed to determine the safety and efficacy of these strategies on humans.

The researchers concluded that recent advances and understanding in various novel therapeutic methods for corneal epithelial chemical injuries should provide potential alternatives to current standard treatment regimens and help reduce risks of complications, consequently improving patient outcomes.

To describe the characteristics and hygiene habits of contact lens (CL) wearers who acquire CLs over the internet, as well as their awareness of modifiable risk factors (RFs), a web-based survey was conducted among clients of an online CL sales platform during six months. Demographic data, CL hygiene-related awareness, and compliance were collected and analyzed.

The questionnaire was completed by 1,264 CL wearers: The average age was 40.8 years; most were women (71.1%), had myopia (76.4%) and wore monthly disposable CLs (63.6%). The frequency of eye examination was significantly lower among those buying the CL exclusively online (15.8% vs. 6.6%) and those who had begun CL use on their own (17.5% vs. 8.8%). Initiation to CL wear without the intervention of an eye care practitioner was more frequent in wearers with less experience. Common risk behaviors included water exposure (68.1% in swimming and 64.9% in the shower), use of the case (61.9%) and CL (65.1%) beyond the recommended replacement time, and reuse of the maintenance solution (31.9%). Ignorance of recommended hygiene increased the probability of risky behavior.

There were no differences in compliance or awareness of risks between those purchasing exclusively online and other CL wearers. However, the growing frequency of self-taught initiation in CL wear among less-experienced online customers and online exclusive purchase was associated with a decrease in eye examination frequency, and, therefore, worse compliance and increased risks. This finding underlines the importance of publicizing correct hygiene habits by all possible means so as to increase compliance.