USF-LVHN SELECT

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for Post-LASIK Dry Eye: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Publication/Presentation Date

4-28-2026

Abstract

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy in managing dry eye syndrome (DES) following laser-assisted

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies reporting outcomes of IPL treatment in post-LASIK DES. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, observational studies with control groups, and retrospective or prospective chart reviews. Outcomes analyzed included tear breakup time (TBUT), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, artificial tear use (ATU), corneal staining, lipid layer thickness, and meibomian gland function. Analyses were restricted to pre-post single-arm comparisons. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted using inverse-variance weighting with DerSimonian-Laird estimation and Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman adjustment. Heterogeneity was assessed using

RESULTS: Four studies met inclusion criteria, comprising 146 treated eyes. IPL was associated with a significant improvement in patient-reported symptoms measured by OSDI (

CONCLUSION: IPL therapy may improve subjective dry eye symptoms following LASIK, while objective clinical outcomes remain uncertain. Current evidence remains limited, underscoring the need for larger, controlled studies with standardized protocols and longer follow-up to further define IPL's role in managing post-surgical dry eye.

First Page

10807683261442470

Last Page

10807683261442470

ISSN

1557-7732

Disciplines

Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

42050421

Department(s)

USF-LVHN SELECT Program, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Students

Document Type

Article

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