Evaluating the efficacy of Quantum Molecular Resonance (QMR) electrotherapy in mixed-type dry eye patients

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the low-power, high-frequency electrical current treatment administered by the Rexon-Eye device, in a cohort of patients affected by mixed-type dry eye disease (DED) of medium to severe level.

Patients and methods

In this prospective, non-randomized, interventional clinical study, eighteen mixed type DED patients were treated. Treatment was a specific type of electrotherapy, Quantum Molecular Resonance (QMR®), administered by means of the Rexon-Eye® device (Resono Ophthalmic, Sandrigo, Italy) with a protocol of one 20-min session per week, for 4 weeks. Patients were examined at baseline and one month after the last treatment, utilizing the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and clinical signs: non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), Oxford staining, meibum quality, meibography, meibomian gland expressibility, tear meniscus height (TMH), Schirmer's test, ocular inflammation expressed by MMP-9 concentration.

Results

Subjective benefit in OSDI was reported (p = 0.013). Improvement was also observed in NIBUT (p < 0.001), Oxford staining (p = 0.002), expressible meibomian glands number (p = 0.001) and meibum quality (p < 0.001). A remarkable benefit was present in inflammation, as evidenced by the reduction of MMP-9 (p = 0.003). Changes, although not statistically significant, were also present in TMH (p = 0.076) and Schirmer's test (p = 0.675), whereas no change was observed in meibography score. No adverse event was reported.

Conclusion

In this mixed-type DED patients’ cohort, Rexon-Eye proved to be effective and safe in improving subjective and objective ocular parameters, as well as capable to normalize inflammatory markers.