Warm eyelid treatment could replace daily drops for dry eye sufferers

NCT ID NCT04795752

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Sight Sciences, Inc. Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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 MEIBOMIAN GLAND DYSFUNCTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Cincinnati Eye Institute

Edgewood, Kentucky, 41017, United States
Doctor My Eyes

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85254, United States
Eye Research Foundation

Newport Beach, California, 92663, United States
Harvard Eye Associates

Laguna Hills, California, 92653, United States
Jackson Eye

Lake Villa, Illinois, 60046, United States
Kentucky Eye Institute

Lexington, Kentucky, 40517, United States
Loh Ophthalmology Associates

Miami, Florida, 33143, United States
Parkhurst NuVision

San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
Scripps Health

La Jolla, California, 92037, United States
University of Pittsburg-Ophthalmology Dept

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States
Vance Thompson Vision

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 57108, United States
Vantage Eye Care

Bala-Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, 19004, United States
Vision Institute

Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80907, United States
Vita Eye Clinic

Shelby, North Carolina, 28150, United States

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