Clinical Study: Durability of Treatment with a Thermomechanical Device in Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

The Smart Group
By The Smart Group

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Dry eye disease (DED), particularly evaporative types linked to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), can significantly affect daily comfort and vision quality. A recent observational study evaluated the durability of Tixel® thermomechanical therapy, revealing sustained improvements in tear stability, gland function, and symptom relief six months after treatment. In this article, we explore these findings and what they mean for those seeking lasting solutions for dry eye symptoms.

2025 Sadri-et-al-durability-of-treatment-with-a-thermomechanical-device-in-meibomian-gland-dysfunction-an-observational.pdf

To view the full study please click here.

Understanding Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Tixel® Therapy

  • MGD is a major contributor to evaporative DED, affecting over 75% of dry eye patients aged over 40.

  • Traditional treatments like warm compresses often fall short due to inconsistent temperatures and low compliance.

  • Tixel® offers a modern, in-office thermomechanical solution, delivering precise heat pulses to enhance meibomian gland function without contacting the eye’s surface.

 

Study Design and Participant Overview

Key Points:

  • This extension study followed subjects from a prior pivotal trial who had shown early improvements in tear break-up time (TBUT).

  • Participants underwent three sessions of Tixel® treatment and were evaluated six months post-treatment.

  • 21 subjects (42 eyes), mostly aged 39–81 years, were observed without any additional interventions during this time.

Results: Six Months of Sustained Improvement

Effectiveness Outcomes:

  • Tear Stability (TBUT): Improved significantly from 4.0 to 9.2 seconds.

  • Meibomian Gland Score (MGS): Jumped from 6.6 to 24.8, indicating healthier gland secretions.

  • Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI): Symptom scores decreased by an average of 24.3 points, suggesting substantial relief.

Safety Outcomes:

  • No adverse ocular events reported.

  • Corneal health showed significant improvement, with reduced staining.

  • Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) remained stable throughout.

Why Tixel® Stands Out Among Dry Eye Treatments

Key Points:

  • Unlike other thermal therapies like LipiFlow® and TearCare®, Tixel® demonstrated durable results without regression at the six-month mark.

  • Treatment is quick (only two minutes per session), non-invasive, and does not require direct eye contact.

  • Ideal for busy individuals seeking efficient, lasting dry eye relief.

Conclusion

The Tixel® device has proven itself as a safe and highly effective solution for patients suffering from evaporative dry eye due to MGD, offering clinically significant improvements that are maintained over six months. For anyone struggling with persistent dry eye symptoms, Tixel® presents a promising, durable treatment option.

Discover Why Top Clinics Are Choosing Tixel – Book Your In-clinic Consultation

What if you could offer your clients results comparable to fractional CO2 lasers – with minimal downtime, no light-based risks, and total comfort? With Tixel, now you can.

Already trusted by experts like Dr Sabrina and Dr Tapan across 7 Harley Street clinics, Tixel is quickly becoming the go-to choice for non-invasive skin rejuvenation.

Incomparable Technology, Uncompromised Results Tixel® is powered by Novoxel's proprietary TMA® technology – the only fractional skin resurfacing system to transfer thermal energy directly to the skin by conduction, the most effective form of heat transfer. A self-sterilising medical-grade titanium tip delivers precision heat to trigger natural collagen production and skin renewal.

  • CE & FDA cleared for fractional resurfacing across all skin types
  • Clinically proven with over 60 clinical studies and 30 published peer-reviewed papers

  • Corrects multiple skin indications, including peri-orbital and lip lines
  • Minimal to no downtime for patients
  • Distributed in over 80 countries worldwide

 

Arrange an in-clinic demonstration to explore how Tixel® can support your clinical outcomes

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