Light relief: Does LLLT help dry eye disease?

2 August 2023
Summer 2023

Interest is growing in the use of low-level light therapy to remedy dry eye disease. Adrian O’Dowd investigates the evidence behind the treatment.

Dry eye disease can cause symptoms of discomfort, visual disturbance and tear film instability, with potential damage to the ocular surface (Vehof et al, 2014). One treatment is intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, which has been shown to be effective in treating patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) – the most common cause of dry eye (Thomas, 2021). An emerging treatment is low-level light therapy (LLLT), and alongside IPL is classed as a form of photobiomodulation. 

Sign in to continue

Forgotten password?
Register

Not already a member of the College?

Start enjoying the benefits of College membership today. Take a look at what the College can offer you and view our membership categories and rates.

Related further reading

Looking for ways to help patients whilst keeping your distance? Our 'how to' explainer videos might be just what you're searching for.

Non-medical contact lens fitting can now take place during the amber phase of the pandemic.