Low-level red light therapy and eyelid temperature across different skin tones

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.