Low-level red light therapy and eyelid temperature across different skin tones
Low Level Light Therapy & Skin Pigmentation
This will see if low-level red light therapy changes eyelid temperature in adults with dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction who have lighter versus darker skin.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT07173530 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with meibomian gland dysfunction will receive three 15-minute in-office sessions of 633 nm low-level light therapy (Epi-C-Plus) over 7–14 days. Investigators will measure eyelid temperature before and after treatments to compare thermal effects between participants with Fitzpatrick skin types I–IV versus V–VI. The primary aim is to determine whether skin pigmentation affects the warming produced by the device, which could influence safety or comfort. Key eligibility excludes recent ocular surgery, active anterior segment infection, systemic diseases causing severe aqueous-deficient dry eye, recent similar therapies, or use of photosensitizing medications.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with clinical signs or symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction or dry eye who can read English and meet the listed eligibility criteria are potential candidates.
Not a fit: People with active eye infections, systemic diseases causing severe aqueous-deficient dry eye (e.g., Sjogren's), recent ocular or eyelid surgery, recent LLLT/IPL/LipiFlow treatments, recent ocular trauma, or who take photosensitizing medications are excluded and unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians use LLLT more safely and comfortably across different skin tones in people with MGD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies and clinical use of LLLT and IPL have shown symptomatic and glandular benefits for MGD in some cases, but the specific effect of skin pigmentation on device heating is not well characterized.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ability to read and understand the study informed consent in English * Age 18 years or older at enrollment * Individuals with MGD based on one or more of the following clinical signs/symptoms, e.g., meibum quality score of 1-3 (Bron et al.), meibography score of 1, 2, or 3 on the Pult Meiboscale, non-invasive 1st tear break up time of 10 seconds or less, or an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score greater than 12 points. Exclusion Criteria: * Active anterior segment pathology (e.g., bacterial conjunctivitis, microbial keratitis) * History of systemic disease associated with aqueous-deficient dry eye disease (e.g., Sjogren's syndrome) * History of corneal surgery, refractive surgery, or eyelid surgery within 6 months * History of corneal ectasia (e.g. keratoconus, Pellucid marginal degeneration) * History of ocular trauma within 6 months * History of LipiFlow, iLux, Meiboflow, IPL or LLLT within the last 12 months * Habitual use of photosensitizing medications within the last 30 days * Pregnant and/or lactating females, by self-report * Pigmented lesions, tattoos, or skin cancer in the periocular region * Unwilling to have eyes photographed or video recorded
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- The University of Houston College of Optometry — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Eric Ritchey, OD, PhD
- Email: erritche@central.uh.edu
- Phone: 713-743-1933
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.