TREATMENT FOR CONJUNCTIVOCHALASIS: A COMBINED APPROACH UTILIZING RADIOFREQUENCY CAUTERIZATION AND THERMALIDTM PROCEDURE
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background
Dry Eye Disease (DED) and related ocular surface diseases have multiple etiologies, but two of the most prevalent are Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and Conjunctivochalasis (CCH). This study examines a customizable two-step approach utilizing radiofrequency to treat these two commonly coexisting condi-tions and provide patients with relief from DED signs and symptoms.
Study Design
An IRB approved retrospective chart review of 25 consecutively treated patients was conducted. Patients were included if they presented with DED symptoms and were treated with a combination treatment approach to improve both MGD and CCH, with pre- and post-treatment dry eye metrics outlined below. Follow-up visit information was compared to pre-treatment baseline to evaluate the efficacy and safety of treatment.
Results
Statistically significant results were observed in a decrease in symptoms as evaluated by the primary endpoints of the Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) questionnaire and an increase in the number of Meibomian Glands Yielding Liquid Secretion (MGYLS). Tear Meniscus Height also saw statistically significant improvement while Non-invasive Tear Break-Up Time (NTBUT) and Schirmer’s saw minor progress. Clinical evaluation and ocular surface photographs showed marked improvement in CCH with minimal observed side effects during post-operative follow-up visits.
Conclusion
A two-step approach utilizing a radiofrequency device to treat dry eye symptoms provides significant clinical improvement and symptomatic relief for a broad spectrum of patients who had received a variety of prior treatments for DED.
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