In a randomized crossover trial of 15 adults with meibomian gland dysfunction, participants used each warm-compress device for 10 minutes daily over 5 days, with a 2-week washout.
2
By Day 5, mean tear breakup time increased from 7.2 to 9.5 seconds with the USB-powered compress and from 7.3 to 7.9 seconds with the disposable mask.
3
Mean tear meniscus height increased from 0.16 to 0.28 mm with the USB-powered compress and from 0.16 to 0.22 mm with the disposable mask; the between-device difference was statistically significant.
4
SPEED symptom scores improved modestly with both devices, with no statistically significant between-device difference; visual acuity remained stable and no adverse events were reported.
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The small, single-center trial had short treatment periods and supervised sessions, and the authors said whether the measured improvements yield lasting patient benefits remains uncertain.
