New eyelid massage tool aims to soothe dry eyes
NCT ID NCT07633938
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compares a new eyelid support plate to a standard glass rod for eyelid massage in people with dry eye from meibomian gland dysfunction. 142 adults will receive either the new device or standard massage, plus eye drops, over 8 weeks. The goal is to see which method better reduces dry eye symptoms and is more comfortable.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- eyelid support plate assisted eyelid massage
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a more comfortable and effective way to relieve dry eye symptoms caused by meibomian gland dysfunction.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial comparing two massage methods, so results may not be conclusive. The device may not be more effective than standard massage.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 142 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jul 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 60 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Voluntarily participate and sign an informed consent form; 2. Age range: 18 to 60 years old; 3. Meet the diagnostic criteria for dry eye in the International Society of Tears and Ocular Surface (TFOS) Dry Eye Symposium (DEWS) II ; 4. 1/3 or more of the meibomian gland openings are blocked or the secretion characteristics of the meibomian gland are abnormal; 5. The best corrected visual acuity for each eye is ≥ 0.5; 6. Eye pressure (IOP) ≥ 5mmHg and ≤ 21mmHg per eye; 7. Women with reproductive potential agree to use reliable contraceptive methods during the study period; 8. Willing and able to complete all planned research visits and follow the guidance of the researchers. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Contact lens use: Having used contact lenses within 14 days prior to the screening visit, or refusing to commit to discontinuing contact lens use during the study period (within the next 2 months); 2. Had undergone corneal refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK/SMILE), other corneal surgeries, cataract surgery, anti-glaucoma surgery, or fundoscopic surgery within 12 months prior to enrollment screening; 3. Participation in other medical studies within 3 months prior to enrollment screening; 4. Presence of any of the following active ocular diseases at present or within 3 months prior to screening: I) Acute allergic conjunctivitis; II) Infection (by bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.); III) Inflammation (e.g., keratitis, retinitis). Meningitis, choroiditis, uveitis, scleritis, etc.; 5. Eyelid abnormalities affecting eyelid function (such as ptosis, blepharospasm, entropion, ectropion, etc.); 6. Extensive ocular surface scars or conditions that may compromise ocular surface integrity (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, history of chemical burns, persistent corneal epithelial defects, history of ocular trauma, etc.); 7. Currently or previously diagnosed with glaucoma, or undergoing treatment with anti-glaucoma medications; 8. Has used any of the following ocular medications within the past 1 month: immunosuppressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), glucocorticoids, or perfluorohexyloctane; 9. Has received any of the following non-pharmacological treatments for dry eye within the past month: meibomian gland massage, deep eyelid margin cleansing, intense pulsed light therapy, or thermal pulsation therapy; 10. During pregnancy or lactation; 11. Neurological or psychiatric disorders (moderate to severe anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders); 12. Uncontrolled ocular or systemic diseases; 13. History of epilepsy; 14. The investigator determines that the subject is not suitable for participation in this study.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Zhongshan Ophthalmology Center, Sun Yat sen University
Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, China
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