Can radio waves zap dry eye away? new trial tests device for stubborn cases

NCT ID NCT06220474

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: The University of Hong Kong Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether a non-invasive radiofrequency device (Thermage FLX) plus eyelid gland expression can improve tear film stability better than gland expression alone in people with dry eye that hasn't responded to standard treatments. About 112 adults with moderate to severe meibomian gland dysfunction will be randomly assigned to receive either active radiofrequency or a sham procedure, followed by gland expression. The main goal is to see if tear breakup time improves over 24 weeks.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Radiofrequency treatment (Thermage FLX System)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new non-invasive option to ease dry eye symptoms for people who haven't improved with standard care.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial (112 people) testing a device, not a drug. The sham control means the real benefit may be modest, and results may not apply to all dry eye patients.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

dry eye syndrome Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DRY EYE SYNDROMES MEIBOMIAN GLAND DYSFUNCTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Grantham Hospital
RECRUITING

Hong Kong, Hong Kong
HKU Eye Centre
RECRUITING

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

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