Evaluation of the MGDRx eyebag treatment in young and older subjects with dry eye symptoms

Summary Objectives This study aims to evaluate the relationship between application of the MGDRx thermal eyebag and dry eye signs and symptoms in young and older subjects and to compare the results between the two groups. Methods Thirty young, healthily volunteers between 18 and 31 years of age (23.95 ± 3.94 years) and thirty older subjects between 61 and 90 years of age (77.97 ± 8.11 years) participated in this study. Ocular surface parameters were assessed using the Oculus Keratograph 5 M, following the guidelines of the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Dry Eye Workshop II Diagnostic Methodology report. Only subjects with a positive score on at least one questionnaire and an initial Non-Invasive Keratograph Break-Up Time (NIKBUT) under 10 seconds were included in the study. After thermal bag self-application in both eyes every day for 2 weeks, the protocol was carried out again. Lid massage was performed after lid warming. Compliance and degree of improvement were also assessed. Main results The young volunteer group showed an improvement in NIKBUT, lipid layer score, upper eyelid gland drop-out percentage and dry eye symptoms over the two week treatment period. Improvements in meibum quality, gland obstruction, telangiectasia scores, and dry eye symptoms were found in the older subjects. Mixed ANOVA revealed better NIKBUT and lipid layer values in the young subjects. Despite the treatment compliance being statistically higher in the older group than in the younger subjects (P = 0.002), there were no significant differences in subjective improvement between groups (P = 0.097). Conclusion Dry eye-related symptoms were improved after thermal bag application, while NIKBUT and lipid layer thickness were improved only in the younger subjects.