Assessment and Management of Rosacea-Associated Blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction – A Descriptive Case Study
Määttä, Heidi (2025)
2025
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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052616204
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052616204
Tiivistelmä
Purpose
The purpose of this thesis was to study rosacea-associated meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and blepharitis through a single case study. The aim was to determine the benefits and outcomes achieved by managing the ocular symptoms of the case study subject with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT).
Methods
This single case study report involved the clinical assessment and management of 53 years old Finnish male experiencing dry eye symptoms linked to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and blepharitis. This case study included four combined IPL and LLLT treatments with meibomian gland expression and two follow-up visits one month and six months post-treatment. The case study was done 11.1.-11.12.2024 and the research method was qualitative. The data was collected on-site while the patient was seen in the clinic. This single case study did not involve any experimental interventions; a separate IRB approval was not needed. The primary literature research was conducted in January and February 2024. Evaluation of the outcomes conducted during Spring 2025.
Results
In the study, the situation of ocular symptoms and signs were assessed at each visit. During the study, the subject developed hordeola and chalazia, which are strongly associated with both rosacea and posterior blepharitis. These may be related to a worsening phase of rosacea’s fluctuating nature. After the combined IPL and LLLT treatment, both the symptoms experienced by the subject and the study parameters confirmed by measurements showed improvement, remaining better than the baseline level even six months later.
Conclusions
Based on this single case study and existing evidence-based data, IPL and LLLT treatments can be considered effective for most individuals in managing MGD and blepharitis. Recognizing and combining skin and ocular symptoms of rosacea with MGD and blepharitis helps eyecare specialists in advising patients and considering further treatment for these chronic and complex diseases.
The purpose of this thesis was to study rosacea-associated meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and blepharitis through a single case study. The aim was to determine the benefits and outcomes achieved by managing the ocular symptoms of the case study subject with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT).
Methods
This single case study report involved the clinical assessment and management of 53 years old Finnish male experiencing dry eye symptoms linked to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and blepharitis. This case study included four combined IPL and LLLT treatments with meibomian gland expression and two follow-up visits one month and six months post-treatment. The case study was done 11.1.-11.12.2024 and the research method was qualitative. The data was collected on-site while the patient was seen in the clinic. This single case study did not involve any experimental interventions; a separate IRB approval was not needed. The primary literature research was conducted in January and February 2024. Evaluation of the outcomes conducted during Spring 2025.
Results
In the study, the situation of ocular symptoms and signs were assessed at each visit. During the study, the subject developed hordeola and chalazia, which are strongly associated with both rosacea and posterior blepharitis. These may be related to a worsening phase of rosacea’s fluctuating nature. After the combined IPL and LLLT treatment, both the symptoms experienced by the subject and the study parameters confirmed by measurements showed improvement, remaining better than the baseline level even six months later.
Conclusions
Based on this single case study and existing evidence-based data, IPL and LLLT treatments can be considered effective for most individuals in managing MGD and blepharitis. Recognizing and combining skin and ocular symptoms of rosacea with MGD and blepharitis helps eyecare specialists in advising patients and considering further treatment for these chronic and complex diseases.