USB-Powered eye mask beats disposable pads for dry eyes
NCT ID NCT07618169
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested two ways to warm the eyelids for people with dry eyes caused by meibomian gland dysfunction. Fifteen adults used a USB-powered warm compress and a self-heating eye mask for two weeks each. Both devices improved tear stability and comfort, but the USB-powered version gave slightly better gland function and patient satisfaction. No serious side effects were reported.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- USB-Powered Warm Compress and Self-Heating Eye Mask (devices)
- What this could lead to
- If this works, it could help people with dry eyes choose a more effective home treatment for symptom relief.
- What could go wrong
- This was a very small trial (15 people) and results may not apply to everyone. The improvement was modest, and long-term benefits are not yet known.
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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15 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2025
- Finished
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May 2025
- 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 40 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: * Adults aged 18-40 years diagnosed with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Baseline NITBUT \< 10 seconds. Willing to discontinue other lid therapies during the study period. Exclusion Criteria: * Active ocular infection or inflammation. Recent ocular surgery (\<3 months). Use of contact lenses during the study period. Systemic diseases affecting tear film (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome).
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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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King Saud University
Riyadh, Central Region, RIAYDH 113, Saudi Arabia
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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