The Impact of Dry Eye Syndrome on Metrics of Low Contrast Vision Before and After Meibomian Gland Expression

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The study aims to determine the impact of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) dry eye on low contrast black/white (luminance) and cone color sensitivity performance and improvement in these functions after in-house non-invasive Meibomian gland (MG) expression.

Detailed Description
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This study offers possible benefits from gland expression to patients and subjects in terms of clinical measurements and care associated with meibomian gland dysfunction impacting all age ranges. Prior studies show that these interventions improve dry eye symptoms with intent to improve vision, low contrast color, and B/W vision after intervention in this study.

Official Title
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The Impact of Dry Eye Syndrome on Novel Metrics of Low Contrast Vision Before and After Therapeutic Meibomian Gland Expression

Conditions
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Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Intervention / Treatment
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* Procedure: Meibomian gland (MG) expression


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Individuals over the age of 18 years Healthy individuals with reported symptoms of dry eye such as burning, stinging, fluctuating vision, inappropriate tearing, and feelings of grittiness particularly with prolonged near work Exclusion Criteria: Under the age of 18 Individuals currently using prescription eye medications for dry eye / MGD / inflammation / Infections or any other treatments.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: non-invasive Meibomian gland (MG) expression<br>Baseline testing of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, color vision, and Innova, Inc. cone and B/W low contrast vision will be measured. The intervention will be standard clinical expression of Meibomian superior and inferior glands (MG) using a sterile cotton tip applicator to apply gentle pressure in a rolling motion in the direction of the MGs along the upper and lower eyelid margins to allow oil secretion of the tested eye. One drop of sterile saline will be instilled following the intervention to remove debris. The subject's visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, color vision, and Innova, Inc. cone and B/W low contrast vision will be measured before and after this intervention. | Procedure: Meibomian gland (MG) expression<br>* The procedure is performed with a sterile cotton tip applicator once in the upper and lower eyelids of the subject's choosing.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Cone Contrast Sensitivity on the Cone Contrast Test (CCT, Innova Systems, Inc.) | This computer test measures the lowest contrast (contrast sensitivity) to see red, green and blue cone specific letters. | This test will occur prior to the intervention (Meibomian gland expression) and immediately after this intervention. | 
| Change in Response Time on Cone Contrast Test (CCT, Innova Systems, Inc.) | This computer test measures average response time in seconds to see red, green and blue low contrast letters. | This test will occur prior to the intervention (Meibomian gland expression) and immediately after this intervention. | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Black White Contrast Sensitivity (Innova Systems, Inc) | This computer test measures the lowest contrast (contrast sensitivity) to see black/white letters. | This test will occur prior to the intervention (Meibomian gland expression) and immediately after this intervention. | 
| Change in Response Time on Black White Contrast Sensitivity Test (Innova Systems, Inc) Response Time | This computer test measures average response time in seconds to see low contrast black/white letters | This test will occur prior to the intervention (Meibomian gland expression) and immediately after this intervention. | 
| Change in Visual Acuity Test at Low Contrast (Innova Systems, Inc) | This computer test measures the smallest low contrast letters which can be seen. | This test will occur prior to the intervention (Meibomian gland expression) and immediately after this intervention. | 
| Change in Response Time on Visual Acuity Test at Low Contrast (Innova Systems, Inc) | This computer test measures average response time in seconds to see low contrast visual acuity letters | This test will occur prior to the intervention (Meibomian gland expression) and immediately after this intervention. | 
| Change in Sensitivity on Cone Contrast Color Naming test (CCNT) | This computer test measures the lowest contrast (contrast sensitivity) to see red, green, blue and grey letters. | This test will occur prior to the intervention (Meibomian gland expression) and immediately after this intervention. | 
| Change in Color Naming Accuracy on Cone Contrast Color Naming test (CCNT) | This computer test measures the accuracy of naming (number correct) low contrast red, green, blue and grey letters. | This test will occur prior to the intervention (Meibomian gland expression) and immediately after this intervention. |