Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

This observational study aims to assess the frequency and severity of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and associated ocular surface changes in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases compared with healthy volunteers. Meibomian glands are specialized glands in the eyelids that produce the lipid layer of tears, preventing tear evaporation. Systemic inflammation in rheumatologic conditions may affect these glands, leading to dry eye symptoms and ocular surface damage. A total of 150 participants (120 rheumatologic patients and 30 healthy controls) will be evaluated in a single cross-sectional examination. Rheumatologic diagnoses include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Sjogren's Syndrome, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Psoriatic Arthritis. Participants will undergo a standardized series of non-invasive and minimally invasive eye examinations, including: * An ocular symptom questionnaire (Ocular Surface Disease Index) * Non-contact infrared meibography to assess meibomian gland loss (Meiboscore) * Non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) and tear meniscus height measurements * Slit-lamp biomicroscopy and corneal fluorescein staining The study also examines how meibomian gland alterations correlate with systemic disease activity scores and inflammatory blood markers.

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of nasal spray treatment on Meibomian gland function and ocular surface health in symptomatic dry eye patients with mild to moderate Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

The goal of this prospective, 24-week, double-masked, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trials to compare clinical efficacy and safety of RF and MGX with MGX alone in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction-related dry eye disease. The main question it aims to answer is whether radiofrequency treatment and meibomian gland expression is more effective in improving tear breakup time, as measured using non-invasive video keratography, compared with meibomian gland expression alone, in patients with refractory meibomian gland dysfunction-related dry eye disease. Participants will be divided into two groups, one group will receive RF treatment followed with MGX and another will receive sham treatment with MGX.

The use of photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy (LLLT) in the ophthalmic field stemmed from dermatology which has shown impact on skin blood flow and regeneration. There has been a rise in clinical interest with emerging evidence in the benefits of photobiomodulation in managing chronic inflammatory conditions such as dry eye disease including improvements in ocular discomfort symptoms, tear film stability and tear volume. Despite the observed clinical benefits, limited research has been done to compare photobiomodulation utilising different wavelengths, as most research on dry eye disease has focused on red wavelengths. It has been purported that blue wavelengths may disrupt microbial growth while red wavelengths stimulate energy production and hence increase heat in the affected tissues, although research into these differential impacts at the ocular surface and external eye has been limited. Hence, the aim of this exploratory clinical trial is to compare the impact of using LLLT incorporating red versus blue wavelengths on eyelid haemodynamics and microbiome, as well as conventional ocular surface measures of patients with dry eye disease and blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids). Participants with dry eye disease, oil gland disruption and blepharitis will receive 3 treatments with these LLLT, each separted by 1 week apart, and followed up to 1 month after the final treatment session. Participants will be randomised to either of 3 groups: Red light only group, Red + Blue light group, or a sham treatment group.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a device, iTEAR100 Neurostimulator (the device), which is designed to help people with Dry Eye Disease (DED) who are not satisfied with using artificial tears. The study will last three months and take place at one location. Thirty participants will use the iTEAR100 Neurostimulator, which stimulates the outside of the nose to help with dry eye symptoms. Participants will have three main visits: one at the start (Day 0), one after 30 days (Day 30), and one at the end of the study (Day 90). For the first 30 days, they will use the device twice a day for 30 seconds on each side of the nose. After that, they will use it as needed for the next 60 days. Before starting the treatment, participants will undergo tests to measure their initial eye condition. The effectiveness of the device will be checked by comparing these baseline measurements to those taken on Day 30 and Day 90. Participants will also fill out a questionnaire about their eye symptoms on Day 14. The main measure of success is how much the participants' symptoms improve on the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) from Day 0 to Day 30. Other measures include changes in tear production, tear quality, and eye health from Day 0 to Days 30 and 90. Participants' safety will be monitored by tracking any adverse events (side effects) throughout the study.