Randomized Controlled Trial of Long-term Treatment Effectiveness for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and Dry Eye

Randomized Controlled Trial of Long-term Treatment Effectiveness for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and Dry Eye

Randomized Controlled Trial of Long-term Treatment Effectiveness for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and Dry Eye

The study objective is to evaluate the long-term treatment effectiveness for adult patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and evaporative dry eye by: 1) comparing the LipiFlow® System to a standardized daily warm compress and eyelid hygiene control therapy over a duration of 3 Months; and 2) evaluating the LipiFlow® alone and in combination with other MGD and dry eye treatments over a duration of up to 12 Months. This is a post-market, non-significant risk, prospective and multi-center clinical trial divided into two stages. The first stage from enrollment to 3 Months is an open-label, randomized controlled design to compare the effectiveness of a single LipiFlow® System treatment to a standardized daily warm compress and eyelid hygiene Control therapy with Crossover LipiFlow® treatment of the Control subjects at 3 Months. The second stage, occurring between 3 and 12 Months, is an observational design to evaluate the effectiveness of LipiFlow® alone and in combination with other MGD and dry eye treatments over a duration of up to 12 Months. Subjects are entered into the following subgroups based on the subject's self-assessment of the adequacy of symptom relief and protocol-defined criteria for additional treatment. One LipiFlow® Treatment: Subjects who receive only one LipiFlow® treatment. Two LipiFlow® Treatments: Subjects who receive a second LipiFlow® treatment. Combination Treatment: Subjects who receive one or two LipiFlow® treatments followed by other MGD or dry eye treatment, as prescribed by the physician.

Control group receiving warm compress therapy and lid hygiene at randomization in Stage 1 of study and crossover LipiFlow System treatment in Stage 2 of study

To assess the meibomian glands, the secretion characteristics from 15 gland orifices along the lower eyelid were evaluated under a slit lamp biomicrosope using a handheld instrument, Meibomian Gland Evaluator, to apply gentle standardized pressure to the eyelid margin. Expressed secretion characteristics were graded on a scale of 3 (clear liquid secretion), 2 (cloudy liquid secretion), 1 (inspissated/toothpaste consistency), and 0 (no secretion). Total meibomian gland score was calculated based on the sum of the secretion grades for all 15 glands over a range from 0 to 45 with a higher score reflecting less meibomian gland dysfunction. To be eligible for the study, the Baseline total meibomian gland score must have been 12 or less in each eye. Change = 3 Month score - Baseline Score.

To assess the meibomian glands, the secretion characteristics from 15 gland orifices along the lower eyelid were evaluated under a slit lamp biomicrosope using a handheld instrument, Meibomian Gland Evaluator, to apply gentle standardized pressure to the eyelid margin. Expressed secretion characteristics were graded on a scale of 3 (clear liquid secretion), 2 (cloudy liquid secretion), 1 (inspissated/toothpaste consistency), and 0 (no secretion). Total meibomian gland score was calculated based on the sum of the secretion grades for all 15 glands over a range from 0 to 45 with a higher score reflecting less meibomian gland dysfunction. The total meibomian gland score at 12 Months was compared across subgroups, as defined below.

Dry eye symptoms assessed using the OSDI questionnaire were sensitivity to light, grittiness, pain or soreness, blurred vision and poor vision. The questionnaire evaluated the frequency problems with the eyes limited performance in reading, driving at night, working with a computer or bank machine, and watching television. Also, the frequency that eyes felt uncomfortable was assessed in windy conditions, areas with low humidity, and air-conditioned areas. The frequency scale was 0 (none of the time), 1 (some of the time), 2 (half of the time), 3 (most of the time), and 4 (all of the time). The total OSDI score was calculated as the sum of frequency scores for all symptoms multiplied by 25 and divided by the number of questions answered with a range from 0 to 100. A lower total OSDI score represents less disability from dry eye symptoms. To be eligible for the study, the Baseline total OSDI score must have been 13 points or higher in each eye. Change=3 Months score-Baseline score.

Dry eye symptoms assessed using the OSDI questionnaire were sensitivity to light, grittiness, pain or soreness, blurred vision and poor vision. The questionnaire evaluated the frequency problems with the eyes limited performance in reading, driving at night, working with a computer or bank machine, and watching television. Also, the frequency that eyes felt uncomfortable was assessed in windy conditions, areas with low humidity, and air-conditioned areas. Frequency scale was 0 (none of the time), 1 (some of the time), 2 (half of the time), 3 (most of the time), and 4 (all of the time). The total OSDI score was calculated as the sum of frequency scores for all symptoms multiplied by 25 and divided by the number of questions answered with a range from 0 to 100. A lower total OSDI score represents less disability from dry eye symptoms. The total OSDI score at 12 Months was compared across subgroups, as defined below.

Inclusion Criteria: At least 18 years old Tear film assessment that qualifies in both eyes Evidence of meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye in both eyes Willingness to comply with study protocol Exclusion Criteria: Systemic disease condition or medication that causes dry eye Use of other treatments for MGD or dry eye Ocular surgery, trauma, herpes infection, punctal plug insertion or punctal occlusion within past 3 months Active eye infection Active eye inflammation or recurrent inflammation within past 3 months Moderate to severe allergic conjunctivitis Severe eyelid inflammation Eyelid abnormality that affects lid function Ocular surface abnormality that may compromise corneal integrity Pregnant or nursing women Participation in another ophthalmic clinical trial within past 30 days