Summary:
Purpose: To compare the safety and efficacy of eyelid treatment with the ILux®-MGD Treatment System in one session versus five sessions of mechanical meibomian gland expression (MMGE) in patients with moderate to severe meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Methods: Prospective, randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial comparing one session of the ILux® MGD Treatment System versus five sessions of MMGE in both eyes of 130 patients aged ≥18 years with OSDI scores ≥13, total MGS of 15 in the lower lid of each eye and NI-TBUT \<10 s, who were randomized 1:1 to ILux® or MMGE.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age at least 18 years
* A history of self-reported dry eye symptoms for two months prior to study enrollment,
* Diagnosis of MGD Low delivery type, with mechanism obstructive and non- cicatricial with scores as follows: Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire ≥ 13, Non-Invasive Tear break-up time (NIBUT) lower than 10 seconds (The Sirius anterior segment analyzer (CSO, Florence, Italy).
* Meibomian gland scores (MGS) lower than 15.
Exclusion Criteria:
* A history of ocular surgery
* Allergic conjunctivitis
* Seborrheic dermatitis
* Rosacea
* Psoriasis
* Punctal plugs or previous punctal cautery
* Anterior or demodex blepharitis
* Cicatricial lid margin disease
* Ocular injury or trauma
* Chemical burns
* Limbal stem cell deficiency
* Active ocular infection or non-dry eye inflammation
* Aqueous-deficient dry eye
* Irregular cornea
* Lid abnormalities and systemic disease conditions
* Medications that cause dry eye.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Effectiveness defined as changes from baseline to 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months in Non Invasive Tear break-up time (NI-TBUT) in seconds.
Timeframe: 1 year
2
Effectiveness defined as changes from baseline to 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months in Meibomian gland scores (MGS).