Condition focus: Dry Eye Disease, Ocular Rosacea & Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
Summary: Comprehensive review of clinical and mechanistic studies on Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for ocular rosacea and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Reported improvements included eyelid telangiectasia and periocular redness, tear film stability and TBUT scores, and meibomian gland expressibility with better lipid quality. Mechanisms discussed included selective photothermolysis of abnormal capillaries, reduction in Demodex density, down-regulation of IL-1β/IL-6/TNF-α, and microcirculation support contributing to restored gland function.
Interpretation: Shergill (2024) supports the use of non-thermal light modalities to modulate vascular and inflammatory pathways in ocular rosacea and MGD.
WaveFront Alignment: While IPL and PBM differ, this review outlines vascular and inflammatory pathways that overlap with the photobiologic targets of 670 nm + 810 nm PBM. The Spectral WaveFront’s dual wavelengths support mitochondrial function, nitric-oxide–mediated microcirculation, and reduced oxidative and inflammatory load within a gentle, non-heating fluence range.
Editor’s note: This review highlights vascular, inflammatory, and glandular mechanisms relevant to ocular rosacea and MGD. For PBM wavelengths aligned with the Spectral WaveFront’s dual-wavelength design, see our WaveFront Evidence Alignment. Additional PBM human data are reported in Park 2022 and Antwi 2024. Foundational mechanistic support for oxidative and inflammatory modulation is available in Begum 2013 and Goo 2023.
