Warm eyelid treatment shows promise for dry eye sufferers
NCT ID NCT03804502
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested the TearCare device, which warms the eyelids to melt clogged oil glands and improve tear quality. Twelve adults who had used the device before received another treatment. Researchers measured how long tears stayed on the eye and checked gland function. The goal was to see if repeat treatments are safe and helpful for 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 (device that warms eyelids to melt oil glands)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide a long-term, non-drug option for managing dry eye symptoms with repeat treatments.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study with only 12 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The device only eases symptoms temporarily and does not cure dry eye.
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
-
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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12 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Dec 2018
- Finished
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May 2019
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
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 years and older
- 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Previously enrolled in the TearCare arm of the TearCare Pilot Study * Reports dry eye symptoms within 3 months of the baseline examination with a Standard Patient Evaluation for Dryness (SPEED) score ≥ 6 * TBUT of \<10 seconds in at least one eye * Willing to comply with the study, procedures, and follow-up * Willing and able to provide consent Exclusion Criteria: * Any active ocular or peri-ocular infection or inflammation * Recurrent eye inflammation within the past 3 months * Ocular surgery, oculoplastic surgery, ocular injury, Ocular Herpes Simplex, or Herpes Zoster * Ocular surface abnormalities that may affect tear film distribution or treatment * Abnormal eyelid function in either eye * Diminished or abnormal facial, periocular, ocular or corneal sensation * Ocular surface abnormalities such as corneal epithelial defects, ulcers, corneal dystrophies * Systemic diseases resulting in dry eye (e.g. Sjogren's syndrome) * Allergies to silicone tissue adhesives * An absence or fibrosis of the Meibomian glands (e.g. ectodermal dysplasia). * Unwillingness to abstain for the duration of the study from systemic medication known to cause ocular dryness (e.g. Accutane, antihistamines, etc.) * Anyone who requires chronic use (i.e. for any portion of the study) of topical ophthalmic antibiotics, steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or who has been on any of these medications within the past 30 days. * Unwillingness to washout and remain off certain dry eye medications for the duration of the study. * Participation in another ophthalmic clinical trial within the past 30 days * Co-existing conditions that could interfere with the assessment of safety or efficacy of treatment (e.g. macular disease, pregnancy, nursing, etc.)
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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
Locations
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Central Eye Care
Arlington Heights, Illinois, 60005, United States
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