Low-level light therapy (LLLT) is a treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction. The proposed mechanism of action is photobiomodulation of cells leading to improved adenosine triphosphate synthesis, reduction of reactive oxygen species in oxidatively-stressed cells, and the activation of transcription factors involved in cellular proliferation, migration and survival. Understanding of how low-level light therapy based therapy alters meibomian gland function is poor. This study will examine the effect of low-level light therapy on individuals with meibomian gland dysfunction. Eligible subjects will receive 15 minutes of low-level light therapy per week over a 3 week period. Meibum collected prior to treatment will be compared to meibum collected after 3 treatment sessions for alteration in protein and lipid composition.
The goal of this clinical trial is to examine the effect of low-level light therapy (LLLT) on meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye disease. The main questions it aims to answer are:~Does low-level light therapy reduce levels of pro-inflammatory proteins in meibum~Does low-level light therapy increase the ratio of non-polar lipids to polar lipids in meibum~Participants will receive 3 15-minute sessions of low-level light therapy. Meibum will be collected before the first treatment and after the final treatment.