Intense pulsed light shows short-term relief for contact lens discomfort

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy can provide significant short-term relief from contact lens discomfort (CLD) by improving meibomian gland function, but the benefits tend to diminish within 2 months, according to a study.

A randomized, double-masked clinical trial included 18 symptomatic contact lens wearers, split between IPL and sham treatment groups. Participants receiving IPL reported a drop in Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire (CLDEQ-8) scores from 18.1 at baseline to 10.7 at 6 weeks. They also noted improvements in meibomian gland secretion and eyelid health markers. Symptoms such as gland capping, pouting, foam, and eyelid redness also improved.

However, most improvements diminished by day 90, suggesting the need for ongoing or adjusted treatment schedules. No significant changes in tear film quality or volume were observed.

Reference
Dumpati S, Iqbal F, Vijay AK, et al. Intense pulsed light therapy to improve signs and symptoms of contact lens discomfort. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2025;102486. doi: 10.1016/j.clae.2025.102486. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40796411.