Warm eyelid treatment could replace daily drops for dry eye sufferers
NCT ID NCT04795752
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a device that warms and massages the eyelids (TearCare) works better than prescription eye drops (Restasis) for dry eye disease. 345 adults with dry eye and blocked eyelid glands were randomly assigned to either an in-office TearCare procedure or twice-daily Restasis drops for 6 months. The goal was to see which treatment better improves tear film stability and reduces dry eye symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
TearCare System (thermal eyelid device) and Restasis (cyclosporine eye drops)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could offer a convenient in-office procedure as an alternative to daily eye drops for managing dry eye symptoms.
What could go wrong
This is a completed trial, but results may show only modest improvement over existing treatments. The device requires multiple in-office visits and may not work for everyone.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Cincinnati Eye Institute
Edgewood, Kentucky, 41017, United States
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Doctor My Eyes
Scottsdale, Arizona, 85254, United States
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Eye Research Foundation
Newport Beach, California, 92663, United States
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Harvard Eye Associates
Laguna Hills, California, 92653, United States
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Jackson Eye
Lake Villa, Illinois, 60046, United States
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Kentucky Eye Institute
Lexington, Kentucky, 40517, United States
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Loh Ophthalmology Associates
Miami, Florida, 33143, United States
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Parkhurst NuVision
San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
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Scripps Health
La Jolla, California, 92037, United States
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University of Pittsburg-Ophthalmology Dept
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States
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Vance Thompson Vision
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 57108, United States
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Vantage Eye Care
Bala-Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, 19004, United States
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Vision Institute
Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80907, United States
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Vita Eye Clinic
Shelby, North Carolina, 28150, United States