MGD is the leading cause of dry eye worldwide. It causes symptoms of dry eye [1], [2] that can lead to significant functional impairment. These symptoms comprise chronic inflammation, tear film changes and surface disorders that can be particularly disabling [3].

Eyelid hygiene (a combination of heat and massaging) is at the heart of MGD treatment. Depending on the severity of the condition, this can be combined with artificial tears, blinking exercises, moisture chamber glasses, topical treatments containing anti-inflammatories and/or azithromycin, and – in more debilitating cases – oral tetracyclines [4].

Polychromatic intense pulsed light (IPL) has long been used in dermatology to treat numerous skin conditions: vascular and pigmented lesions, tattoos, scars, hair removal, photodynamic rejuvenation, oncology, rosacea, inflammatory acne and comedonal acne [5], [6]. More recently, IPL has become a recognised treatment for MGD (step 2 of the TFOS DEWS II consensus workshop [7]) with promising results on tear film quality [8], [9], [10]. Six IPL devices are currently available on the market for the treatment of MGD, the most recent of which is C.STIM® (Quantel Medical, a brand of Lumibird Medical, Clermont-Ferrand, France) [11]. Although the mechanism of action of IPL is not fully understood, several hypotheses have been formulated: stimulation of parasympathetic innervation, acceleration of meibomian gland metabolism, better meibum expression under the effect of heat, coagulation of small vessels resulting in a reduction in cutaneous and palpebral inflammation, and reduction of Demodex [12], [13].

The objective of our study was to study the efficacy and safety of the new C.STIM® IPL device in routine clinical practice.