Tear protein changes before and after low-level light therapy for dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction

Comparing Tear Proteomics Profile in Dry Eye Disease pre-and Post-treatment With Low Level Light Therapy

This research will test whether low-level light therapy changes proteins in tears and helps people with dry eye and meibomian gland problems.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Ages: 21 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Singapore National Eye Centre (Government)
• Locations: 1 site (Singapore)
• Trial ID: NCT07329712 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study will collect tear samples from adults with dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction who are eligible for low-level light therapy, both before and after treatment. Researchers will use proteomics and cytokine analysis to look for molecular changes and markers linked to good treatment response. Participants must be at least 21 years old, able to consent, and not presenting with an acute eye problem. The work is based at the Singapore Eye Research Institute and involves in-person tear collection and laboratory analysis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (≥21 years) with dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction who are eligible for and have consented to low-level light therapy and do not have an acute eye problem.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have implanted electronic or metal prosthetics, epilepsy, uncontrolled cardiovascular or metabolic conditions, active infections or wounds on the eyelids, bleeding/coagulation disorders, or who present with an acute painful or vision‑threatening eye problem are not suitable and likely will not benefit from participating.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify tear protein markers that predict who is likely to benefit from low-level light therapy, enabling more personalized treatment.

How similar studies have performed: Some light-based treatments for meibomian gland dysfunction have shown symptom improvement in prior studies, but using tear proteomics to predict response is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Must be eligible for, and have consented for low level light therapy
2. Must not have presented to the clinic for an acute eye problem such as visual loss or painful eye
3. Ability to give informed consent.
4. Age more or equals to 21 years old.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who are unable to or decline to give consent.
2. Age less than 21 years old.
3. Patients who presented to the clinic for an acute eye problem such as visual loss or painful eye.
4. Patients not suitable for low level lighttherapy:

   * Pregnant
   * Fitted with pacemakers, metal, electrical, acoustic prosthetics
   * Epilepsy, cardiac rhythm or frequency disorders
   * Fever, thrombophlebitis or acute phlebitis of the legs, large-sized varicose veins, or venous surgery within 2 months
   * Uncontrolled hypertension or severe diabetes
   * Open wounds on eyelid or skin
   * Evolving cancer or hepatitis
   * Blood anticoagulant or coagulation defect

Where this trial is running

Singapore

• Singapore Eye Research Insititute — Singapore, Singapore (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Louis Tong, PhD — Singapore Eye Research Institute
• Study coordinator: Louis Tong Tong, PhD

Conditions Dry Eye; Meibomian Gland Dysfunction; low level light therapy; Eyelight; Tears proteomics; tear cytokine; MGD