Chief & Presenting Author: Dr.Ankit Agrawal

Co Author(s): Dr.Krishna Kumar Agrawal, Dr.Sameeksha Agrawal

Abstract

Purpose: To describe an innovative low cost dry eye therapy system as compared to much costlier alternatives available in the market. Methods: The study was performed at a tertiary care eye hospital in North India. A therapy protocol was designed wherein a low cost eye heater cum massager, costing about Rs 5000 which was purchased online, is used to treat dry eye disease caused due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). A data of 39 patients was collected over 2 months of therapy and the results obtained were compared with the commercially available devices. Results: The low cost device reduced the incidence of MGD as confirmed on Schirmers Test, TBUT, and meibography. The patients were also symptomatically much better. Conclusion: This innovative solution is a low cost MGD treatment alternative to approved devices which are available commercially and thus makes the therapy accessible to a majority of doctors and patients who otherwise would not be ale to afford them.