Infrared thermography: different options of thermal eyelid warming

Purpose Current therapies of Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) include thermal eyelid warming. It was the aim of the study to investigate the temperature run after eyelid warming using 3 different techniques (hot compresses, Blephasteam (R) (Thea Pharma GmbH, France), and having a sauna) in patients with MGD compared with normal subjects by infrared thermography. Methods A prospective case-control study was done. Temperature profiles of the eyelids were investigated in 93 subjects (49 normals, 44 MGD patients) after warming of the eyelids by 3 methods: hot compresses, Blephasteam (R), and having a sauna. Temperature runs of the eyelids were measured with an infrared thermal imaging camera (VarioCAM (R) HD research 675/30 mm, InfraTec GmbH) at baseline and after eyelid warming for 10 min. Statistical analysis were done by Wilcoxon test or t tests for unpaired samples. Results The initial eyelid temperature was significantly increased after the use of Blephasteam (R) compared with hot compresses in MGD and normal patients (p < 0.001). Having a sauna showed a similar warming effect of the eyelids than Blephasteam (R) in normals and MGD patients (p > 0.05). Additionally, the warming effect of the eyelids after having a sauna was significantly longer than after the use of Blephasteam (R) in MGD (p = 0.016) and normal patients (p = 0.01). Conclusion Eyelid temperature after having a sauna was similar to commonly used warming devices; yet, the duration of the eyelid warming effect was longer. Thus, having a sauna might be an alternative option for warming of the eyelids.