Search Results (125)

Background/Objectives: To explore potential dry eye-related ocular surface functional alterations in women at the time of first diagnosis of endometriosis or adenomyosis in a real-world clinical setting. Methods: This was a cross-sectional case–control study. Patients were evaluated at the time of initial diagnosis, prior to initiation of any hormonal therapy, to reflect real-world clinical conditions. Participants underwent a standardized ocular surface assessment comprising the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, Schirmer test, and multimodal TearCheck^® analysis, including Non-Invasive Break-Up Time (NIBUT), Tear Film Stability Evaluation (TFSE), Meibography, and Abortive Blinking^®. Results: A total of 71 women were included: 41 with endometriosis or adenomyosis and 30 without known gynecological disease. Patients reported significantly higher OSDI scores than controls (p < 0.05). Objective testing demonstrated lower Schirmer values, reduced tear film stability, and more pronounced Meibomian gland dropout in the patient group (all p < 0.05). Differences were consistently observed across both subjective and objective parameters. Conclusions: Women with endometriosis and/or adenomyosis exhibited significantly altered ocular surface parameters compared with women without known gynecological disease. These findings suggest a possible association between gynecological disease and ocular surface dysfunction. Greater awareness of potential ocular involvement may encourage closer collaboration between gynecology and ophthalmology in the care of affected patients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dry eye disease (DED) is now widely considered to be the most prevalent ocular surface-related disease and has attracted increasing clinical attention in recent years. DED is well-studied in thyroid orbitopathy, but scarce data are available in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: We analyzed 29 PTC cases with radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment (Group 1), 22 PTC cases without RAI (Group 2), and 26 normal control individuals (Group 3). All participants were evaluated with the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), meibomian gland secretion quality, and lid margin grading. Non-contact meibography and non-invasive tear breakup time measurements were completed using the Sirius Scheimpflug camera. Thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine, and free triiodothyronine were measured. Results: TSH values were significantly lower in both patient groups than in controls (p < 0.001). The proportion of participants with a lower meibomian gland secretion quality score ≥ 1 was 34.5% in Group 1, 22.7% in Group 2, and 7.1% in Group 3 (p = 0.002). There was a higher proportion of a meibomian gland atrophy score ≥ 1 in Groups 1 and 2 than in controls (p = 0.007). No differences were found between groups in lower lid margin score, Oxford values, upper meibomian gland expressibility or upper meibography scores (p = 0.485, p = 0.064, p = 0.256, p = 0.069). OSDI scores were higher in both PTC groups than in controls (6.25 and 8.12 vs. 2.52), with borderline overall significance (p = 0.050) and higher pairwise scores versus controls (both p = 0.034). Conclusions: Meibomian gland dysfunction was observed in PTC patients regardless of RAI treatment, suggesting that TSH suppression itself may contribute to the development of ocular surface changes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Corneal epithelial thickness (CET) alterations reflect distinct mechanisms in aqueous-deficient and evaporative dry eye disease (DED) subtypes. In this study, we compare the CET profiles between patients with Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) and those with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 30 patients with SS and 30 age- and sex-matched with MGD. Assessments included corneal staining, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear meniscus height (TMH), non-invasive breakup time, lipid layer thickness (LLT), and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) CET mapping. Regional CET and superior–inferior asymmetry were compared. Results: The SS group exhibited higher corneal staining scores (2.18 ± 1.23 vs. 1.03 ± 1.18, p = 0.001) and lower TMHs (0.14 ± 0.06 vs. 0.18 ± 0.07 mm, p = 0.013), while the MGD group reported greater OSDI scores (40.39 ± 22.49 vs. 31.25 ± 22.81, p = 0.029). A significantly thinner central epithelium (p = 0.043) and localized inferior paracentral thinning (2–5 mm zone, p = 0.008) were noted in SS. Corneal staining was identified as the primary independent predictor of central and inferior CET reduction in both groups. In the MGD group, LLT was associated with the preserved inferior CET (p = 0.045) and superior–inferior thickness difference (p = 0.015). Conclusions: Distinct structural signatures are observed between DED subtypes. SS features central/inferior thinning from aqueous deficiency-mediated friction, whereas MGD shows a relatively preserved epithelial thickness influenced by LLT. Regional CET analysis may provide mechanistic insights into DED subtyping. Full article

Background: To evaluate the effects of a preservative-free artificial tear formulation containing trehalose, sodium hyaluronate, and N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAGA) on ocular surface parameters and quality of life in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) treated with preserved versus preservative-free prostaglandin analogues. Methods: For this prospective, observational clinical study, thirty-eight patients (76 eyes) with POAG receiving stable topical prostaglandin therapy were enrolled and divided into two groups: preserved prostaglandins (Group 1, n = 44) and preservative-free prostaglandins (Group 2, n = 32). All patients received adjunctive preservative-free artificial tears (trehalose, sodium hyaluronate, NAAGA) three times daily for one month. Assessments at baseline (T0) and 1 month (T1) included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), contrast sensitivity, Schirmer test, tear break-up time (BUT), Efron grading scale, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), visual field (VF) indices (Mean Deviation (MD), Pattern Standard Deviation (PSD), Visual Field Index (VFI)), and quality of life (QoL) measured using Visual Analogue Scales (VAS). Results: After 1 month, both groups demonstrated significant improvement in ocular surface parameters. Schirmer test increased by approximately 4–5 mm (p = 0.001 in both groups), and BUT improved by 5 s (p = 0.001 in both groups). OSDI scores significantly decreased (Group 1: –18.5; Group 2: –23; p = 0.001 for both), and Efron grading significantly improved (p = 0.001 in both groups). Artificial tears-related QoL markedly increased in both groups (p = 0.001), while pathology-related QoL remained unchanged. IOP showed a modest but significant reduction in both groups (Group 1 p = 0.011; Group 2 p = 0.003), without intergroup differences. VFI significantly improved in both groups from T0 to T1 (Group 1 p = 0.013; Group 2 p = 0.04). Group 1 also showed an improvement in terms of PSD (p = 0.025). Conclusions: Adjunctive treatment with preservative-free artificial tears containing trehalose, sodium hyaluronate, and NAAGA significantly improved tear film stability VF indexes, ocular surface signs and symptoms, and patient-reported QoL in POAG patients treated with prostaglandins, regardless of preservative status. Routine ocular surface optimization should be considered an integral component of comprehensive glaucoma management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Conjunctival closure may influence early postoperative comfort and wound healing after pediatric strabismus surgery. We compared fibrin glue with absorbable sutures using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT)-based conjunctival thickness, serial clinical scores, ocular-surface screening, and operative time. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 82 children (5–15 years) who underwent bilateral medial rectus recession. The conjunctiva was closed with 8-0 polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) (suture group, n = 40) or fibrin glue (fibrin group, n = 42) according to routine practice; right eyes were analyzed. Conjunctival thickness was measured by AS-OCT preoperatively and at week 6. The comfort questionnaire (CQ) score and inflammation score (IS) were recorded on postoperative day 1 and weeks 1, 2, and 6. Total operative time and closure time were obtained from surgical video recordings. Ocular Surface Disease Index-6 (OSDI-6) and non-invasive keratographic break-up time (NIKBUT) were assessed preoperatively and at week 6 in cooperative children (n = 62). Results: Conjunctival thickness increased in both groups and was slightly higher at week 6 with sutures (p < 0.001), with a slightly greater percentage increase (p = 0.001). CQ and IS were worse with sutures through week 2 (all p < 0.05) and converged by week 6 (both p > 0.05). Fibrin glue shortened total operative time (32.75 vs. 35.46 min; p < 0.05) and closure time (3.90 vs. 5.35 min; p < 0.001). In the ocular-surface subset, OSDI-6 and NIKBUT did not differ between groups at week 6. No infections or granulomas occurred; two early conjunctival wound gaps occurred in the fibrin group and one resolved with topical management, while the other met the dehiscence definition (≥2 mm) and required re-suturing, and both healed without sequelae. Conclusions: In pediatric strabismus surgery, fibrin glue demonstrated better early comfort with a modest difference in conjunctival thickness at week 6 along with slightly shorter operative time while clinical scores converged by week 6, and ocular-surface screening outcomes were similar. Full article

Background/Objectives: Post-coronavirus syndrome (long-COVID) refers to a multi-systemic range of symptoms that follows acute SARS-CoV-3 infection. Long-COVID has been linked with autonomic neuropathy as well as dry-eye disease (DED), an umbrella term that includes a variety of ocular symptoms and signs. Despite these associations, little is known about the co-occurrence of DED and dysautonomia symptoms in individuals with long-COVID. This study aims to examine relationships between dysautonomia and ocular symptoms in a long-COVID patient population. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 162 veterans with long-COVID. The Composite Autonomic Symptom Score-31 (COMPASS-31) assessed dysautonomia symptoms, and the NASA lean test and heart-rate variability metrics captured dysautonomia signs. Dry-eye disease (DED) symptoms were measured with the 5-Item Dry-Eye Questionnaire (DEQ5) and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), while ocular pain intensity and neuropathic pain descriptors were evaluated using a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and select questions from the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory modified for the Eye (NPSI-Eye), respectively. Results: Most participants (78%) reported DED symptoms (DEQ5 ≥ 6). Nearly all COMPASS-31 domains were associated with DED symptoms, with the strongest correlation observed between the OSDI and pupillomotor scores (r = 0.67, p < 0.001). Among the autonomic signs, the strongest associations were observed between the change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure from baseline to 8 min and ocular pain triggered by temperature (r = −0.44 and r = −0.48, respectively, p < 0.01 for both). On linear regression analyses, pupillomotor and secretomotor symptoms remained positively associated with DED symptoms, while autonomic signs were most closely related to ocular pain metrics, with fluctuating blood pressure changes during orthostasis relating to neuropathic symptoms. Conclusions: DED symptoms, including ocular pain intensity, relate to autonomic symptoms in a long-COVID cohort. While associations with autonomic signs were less consistent, these data suggest that subtle autonomic variability relates to ocular pain in the long-COVID setting. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study evaluates the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of preservative-free Dorzolamide 2%-Timolol 0.5% (PF-DT), with a focus on improving the ocular microenvironment in a real-world transition setting. Materials and Methods: A prospective, multicenter, open-label study involving thirty patients with dry eye disease previously treated with BAK-DT was conducted. Participants were transitioned to PF-DT, and evaluated at weeks 4, 12, and 24. The primary endpoint was the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score. Secondary outcomes included Break-Up Time (BUT), Schirmer test results, corneal staining, conjunctival hyperemia, intraocular pressure (IOP), and patient satisfaction. Results: Twenty-five patients completed the study. The OSDI improved from 21.5 to 12.5 (p < 0.001), with 60.0% of patients showing improvement and 52.0% achieving complete symptom resolution. Among eyes with corneal staining, 78.4% demonstrated a reduction of at least one grade, and 50.0% of those with conjunctival redness showed similar improvement. By week 24, 78.0% exhibited no corneal staining, and 50.0% had no conjunctival redness. BUT increased from 5.0 to 7.0 (p < 0.01), while IOP decreased by 1 mmHg (p < 0.01). Satisfaction regarding comfort (≥80%) and handling (≥50%) was high, with 88.0% preferring PF-DT. Conclusions: Transitioning to PF-DT improved ocular surface health while maintaining IOP control, supporting the benefits of preservative-free formulations in restoring microenvironment homeostasis and enhancing tolerability and patient satisfaction. Full article

Background and Objectives: Tear film instability and corneal surface irregularity are important sources of variability in keratometric and corneal topographic measurements, particularly affecting astigmatic magnitude and axis. Accurate preoperative biometry is crucial for optimal refractive outcomes in cataract surgery. Dry eye disease (DED) may compromise the reproducibility of keratometric parameters, leading to errors in intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of DED on the reproducibility of keratometric measurements and to assess the effect of a four-week treatment with lipid-containing artificial tears on these parameters in cataract patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 116 patients scheduled for cataract surgery, of whom 65 (56.0%) had DED and 51 (44.0%) served as controls. All patients underwent two preoperative keratometric measurements 10–20 min apart (IOL1 and IOL2). The control group proceeded to surgery the next day, while surgery in the DED group was postponed. Patients with DED received preoperative therapy with lipid-containing artificial tears. Follow-up assessments occurred one month after therapy (keratometric measurement named IOL3) and eight weeks postoperatively. Clinical evaluation included slit-lamp examination, dry eye testing according to Dry eye Workshop II (DEWS II) criteria: Ocular surface Disease Index (OSDI), Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT), Schirmer I, Oxford staining, and meibomian gland assessment), ocular biometry, and postoperative spherical equivalent measurement using an auto ref-keratometer. Nonparametric statistical analyses were applied to evaluate associations between parameters. Results: In the DED group, corneal astigmatism showed a significant difference between IOL1 and IOL2 (Wilcoxon signed-rank test {Z = 2.43; p = 0.015}). Significant changes in predicted IOL power were observed between pretreatment and posttreatment values (t = 2.57; p = 0.013) and between IOL2 and IOL3 (t = 2.23; p = 0.029), indicating improved keratometric stability following tear film therapy. No additional significant correlations were identified. Conclusions: DED adversely affects the reproducibility of keratometric measurements and may compromise IOL power selection. Preoperative identification and treatment of DED, followed by repeated biometry after tear film stabilization, are strongly recommended to enhance refractive accuracy and optimize surgical outcomes in cataract patients. Full article

Background: Aloe vera gel in 0.3% hyaluronate (AV/HA) could mitigate glaucoma therapy-related ocular surface disease (GTOSD). Methods: Thirty-nine patients diagnosed with GTOSD and receiving AV/HA or HA underwent ocular surface disease index (OSDI), Symptom Assessment iN Dry Eye (SANDE), National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ)-25 questionnaires, and tear matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), break-up time (BUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), Schirmer test I (STI), and bulbar conjunctival hyperemia (BCH) determination. Results: After one month, AV/HA increased BUT (5 (7–4.5) to 7 (8–5.5)) and STI (12 (19.5–8) to 13.5 (20–10)), while it decreased BCH (2.2 (2.3–1.3) to 2.1 (2.2–1.2)) and CFS (3 (4–2) to 2 (3.0–1.5)) (p < 0.001). SANDE and OSDI scores were reduced from 36.18 (38.5–20.5) to 22.91 (31.5–17.21), and 29.5 (32.5–19.5) to 20 (26.5–18) (p < 0.001). HA reduced BCH from 2.75 (3.20–2.15) to 2.25 (2.30–1.90) (p = 0.014) and CFS from 3.5 (5–2.75) to 2.5 (4–2) (p = 0.014), while it increased BUT (p = 0.036). The SANDE score decreased from 28.95 (47.6–20.9) to 26.86 (36.41–19.90) (p = 0.009), whereas the OSDI decreased from 40 (49–19.5) to 29 (42–19.75) (p = 0.005). Any significant change in NEI VFQ-25 was collected. A trend for an MMP-9 immunoassay positivity reduction was observed in AV/HA (0.073). Conclusions: These findings invite considering lubricants enriched with natural anti-inflammatory agents, such as Aloe vera, as a potential adjunctive option to improve the ocular surface in glaucoma. Full article

Background/Objectives: Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) has been shown to be more prevalent in patients with keratoconus (KC) in Turkey, Egypt, and Israel but has not been examined in the Palestinian Authority (PA). Therefore, this study compared the prevalence and clinical features of MGD in patients with keratoconus versus healthy controls seen in an optometry clinic in the PA. Methods: Patients with KC and healthy controls who were non-contact lens wearers were recruited. Habitual visual acuity (VA), tear break-up time (TBUT), meibography, meibomian gland (MG) expressibility (MES) and quality score (MQS), and Schirmer test were evaluated. MGD was defined by an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) Questionnaire score ≥ 13, TBUT < 10 s, and MG loss > Grade 1. Outcomes were compared using Mann–Whitney U tests, Chi-Square tests and Spearman correlation. Results: The study included 33 eyes of 17 KC (mean age: 29.2 ± 7.7, range:19–50) and 27 right eyes of 27 control participants (mean age: 34.2 ± 11.7, range:18–56). MGD was prevalent in 67% of KC and 30% of control participants. VA was significantly worse (0.8 + 0.2 vs. 1.0 + 0.0, p < 0.001), with significantly greater MG loss in the lower eyelids (p = 0.002), and shorter TBUT (4.1 ± 1.5 s vs. 5.7 ± 1.7 s, p < 0.001) in the KC group. No significant differences were found in symptoms, MES, MQS, MG loss in the upper eyelids, or Schirmer test. Conclusions: KC patients exhibited a significantly higher prevalence and severity of MGD signs compared with controls. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive ocular surface evaluation and management in this population. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and safety of T2769 (Thealoz^® Total), a preservative-free eye drop combining 0.15% sodium hyaluronate, 3% trehalose, and 2.45% N-acetylaspartyl-glutamate (NAAGA), in contact lens wearers with dry eye symptoms and discomfort. This prospective, single-arm investigation enrolled 34 adult contact lens wearers with Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores ≥ 18 and Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire-8 (CLDEQ-8) scores ≥ 12. Patients instilled one drop of T2769 three to six times daily for 36 days. Performance assessments included CLDEQ-8, ocular discomfort and symptoms, OSDI, soothing sensation, and ocular signs. Safety assessments included adverse events (AEs), far BCVA, and ocular tolerance. CLDEQ-8 improved from the baseline at Day 36 (−12.6 ± 5.0; p < 0.001) and as early as D15, with similar improvements in ocular discomfort, OSDI, and total symptom score. Soothing sensation was judged important by 79.4% of patients at D36. Ocular surface staining, tear break-up time, and the Schirmer test improved at D15 and D36, while conjunctival hyperaemia improved in 82.4% of patients at D36. Two non-serious treatment-related AEs (photophobia and blurred vision) occurred in one patient. BCVA was unchanged, and tolerance was rated very satisfactory/satisfactory. In conclusion, T2769 was safe and effective for reducing contact lens-associated dry eyes and discomfort. Full article

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasingly recognized as affecting not only the retina but also the ocular surface. Chronic hyperglycemia can disrupt meibomian gland function, reduce tear secretion, and impair corneal sensitivity, leading to tear film instability and symptoms of dry eye disease. However, previous studies have reported variable findings, and the extent of these alterations remains uncertain. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated observational studies that compared tear film parameters between adults with T2DM and non-diabetic controls. Eligible studies assessed one or more of the following: invasive or non-invasive tear break-up time, Schirmer test, tear meniscus height, or Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Results: Twenty-four studies involving approximately 3500 eyes were included. Most reported significantly reduced tear stability and secretion in diabetic participants compared with controls. Tear break-up times were consistently shorter in T2DM, indicating a less stable tear film. Schirmer test results demonstrated lower tear production correlated with diabetes duration and poor glycemic control. Tear meniscus height was modestly reduced in T2DM, reflecting decreased tear reservoir volume. Subjective symptoms, as measured by OSDI, were generally higher among patients with T2DM, suggesting greater ocular surface discomfort. Conclusions: T2DM is strongly associated with tear film instability, reduced tear secretion, and increased dry eye symptoms. These findings suggest that diabetic care should include routine ocular surface assessment and highlight the need for standardized, longitudinal investigations. Full article

Background: Urban air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), poses health risks, including damage to the ocular surface. This pilot study (BIKE-EYE) aimed to assess ocular exposure to airborne pollutants during bicycle commuting and to evaluate particle presence in human tear fluid. Methods: Fifteen healthy volunteers wore portable sensors measuring PM2.5 and PM10 during daily bike commutes over six months. Exposure was calculated as time-weighted integrals over the ten days preceding an ophthalmologic exam assessing conjunctival hyperemia, epithelial damage, tear film quality, and meibomian gland function. Ocular symptoms were assessed via the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Tear samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results: Higher pollutant exposure was significantly associated with conjunctival hyperemia and corneal epithelial damage, while temperature and humidity showed no effect. OSDI scores moderately correlated with PM levels. SEM/EDS analysis confirmed airborne particles in post-exposure tear samples, including carbonaceous material, aluminosilicates, iron, and sulfur compounds. Conclusions: Ocular surface alterations and conjunctival hyperemia were significantly associated with air pollution exposure, while subjective symptoms showed weaker trends. The detection of particulate matter in human tear fluid supports the use of the ocular surface as a sensitive, non-invasive tool for biomonitoring. These findings highlight its potential role in early warning systems for pollution-related health effects, with implications for public health surveillance and urban planning. Full article

Background and Objectives: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder frequently associated with acute anterior uveitis; however, it may also predispose individuals to dry eye disease. We aimed to evaluate dry eye in AS participants employing both conventional tests and conjunctival impression cytology (Nelson grading) to compare their sensitivity in detecting ocular surface changes. Materials and Methods: This prospective case–control study enrolled 24 patients with AS and 27 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Dry eye was evaluated using the Schirmer I test (measuring tear production), fluorescein tear break-up time (BUT, assessing tear film stability), the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire (evaluating symptoms), and conjunctival impression cytology (analyzing ocular surface changes). Intergroup differences were assessed using non-parametric statistical methods, and their correlations with clinical variables were examined. Results: Nelson conjunctival cytology scores were significantly higher in AS patients than control subjects (1.63 ± 0.92 vs. 0.74 ± 0.86; p = 0.001), indicating greater conjunctival goblet cell loss and squamous metaplasia. In contrast, Schirmer, BUT, and OSDI observations did not differ significantly between AS and control subjects (all p > 0.05). Within AS, the Nelson cytology grade did not correlate accompanied by tear test observations or disease activity indices, and symptom scores did not align accompanied by Schirmer or BUT values. Conclusions: AS patients demonstrated evidence of subclinical dry eye changes detectable by impression cytology even when standard tests were normal. Conjunctival cytology was more sensitive than Schirmer, BUT, or symptom assessment in identifying ocular surface involvement in AS. Integrating such ocular surface evaluation into AS management could allow earlier diagnosis of dry eye and prompt intervention to improve patient quality of life. Full article

Objectives: To compare the safety and efficacy of a prototype electronic heating device, Meiboleyes^®, with the BRUDER Moist Heat Eye Compress for the treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Methods: Adults with evidence of active MGD (Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI] score ≥ 13, fluorescein tear break-up time [TBUT] < 10 s and meibomian gland secretion score ≤ 12 for 15 glands of the lower lid) were enrolled in this prospective, randomised, parallel group, investigator-masked dispensing study (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry–ACTRN12624000175572). Meibomian gland secretion (MGS) score and number of meibomian glands yielding liquid secretion (MGYLS), lipid layer thickness, TBUT, ocular physiology and subjective symptoms were measured at baseline, and 2 weeks and 6 weeks following treatment. Linear mixed model analysis was conducted to compare the two groups and changes over time. Results: Ten participants (average age 38.7 ± 14.5 years) in the Meiboleyes^® test group, and 10 participants (average age 38.9 ± 14.8 years) in the BRUDER control group completed the study. MGS and MGYLS significantly improved in both treatment groups from baseline to the 2-week and 6-week follow-up visits (p ≤ 0.006). Significant improvements in TBUT (5.5 ± 1.8 vs. 8.3 ± 2.1 s, p = 0.044), OSDI scores (45.2 ± 15.1 vs. 27.4 ± 12.9, p = 0.027) and visual analogue scale dryness (55.3 ± 27.2 vs. 28.0 ± 23.9, p = 0.023) were observed in the Meiboleyes^® group only after 6 weeks of treatment. No other significant differences were observed over time or between groups. Eight treatment-related adverse events were reported in the Meiboleyes^® group compared to seven in the BRUDER group. All resolved without sequalae. Conclusions: The prototype Meiboleyes^® device was safe and effective for use as an at-home treatment for MGD when used twice daily for six weeks. Improvements in meibomian gland function were comparable to the BRUDER Moist Heat Eye Compress, but significant improvements in tear film stability and subjective comfort after 6 weeks of treatment were observed in the Meiboleyes^® group only. Full article