The Effect of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Treatment on Sleep Quality

To assess the therapeutic efficacy of a combinational therapy, including conventional treatment and intense pulsed light (IPL) technique on sleep quality of patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Fifty participants with a clinical diagnosis of MGD were enrolled in this study. Participants underwent three sessions of IPL therapy. There was a 2-week interval between IPL sessions 1 and 2 and 1 month between sessions 2 and 3. Treatment was supplemented with conventional home-based therapy (including lid hygiene, warm compress, eyelid massage, and lid margin scrub) for MGD. Dry eye symptomatology, tear film, and ocular surface parameters were evaluated at baseline (day 0) and days 15, 45, and 75. Sleep quality was assessed before and after the study using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

PSQI components improved significantly at day 75 in comparison with the baseline (all P < 0.05). Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, noninvasive Keratograph tear break‑up time (NIKBUT), fluorescein tear break‑up time (FTBUT), meibomian gland expressibility, meibum quality score, and tear osmolarity improved at follow-up visits (P < 0.05). Younger patients showed more improvement in NIKBUT, sleep quality, and duration (P = 0.024, P = 0.047, and P = 0.008). Sleep latency decreased with increased NIKBUT and FTBUT and decreased OSDI score (P = 0.001, P = 0.005, and P = 0.041).

The treatment of MGD is effective for improving sleep quality. Younger patients may preferentially benefit from the treatment.