Eyelid warming devices show promise for MGD but lack conclusive evidence

Eyelid warming devices offer significant benefits in improving dry eye symptoms and tear film stability compared to controls or warm towel compresses, however, their overall efficacy remains inconclusive, according to a study.

The systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy of eyelid warming devices as an initial treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The analysis included 7 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comprising 367 patients and 440 eyes.

Overall, eyelid warming devices did not show a significant advantage over control groups or traditional warm towel compresses in general efficacy measures. However, they demonstrated notable benefits in reducing Ocular Surface Disease Index scores and improving noninvasive tear breakup time. Tear film stability was also significantly better when using warming devices compared to warm towel compresses.

When comparing moisture chamber devices to warm compresses, only tear breakup time showed a significant improvement in favor of moisture chamber goggles.

Reference

Ballesteros-Sánchez A, Rocha-de-Lossada C, Sánchez-González JM. Efficacy of Eyelid Warming Devices as first-step treatment in Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Ocul Surf. 2025;S1542-0124(25)00031-X. doi: 10.1016/j.jtos.2025.02.008. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39986438.