Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Low-level Light Therapy Versus Intense Pulsed Light to Prevent Iatrogenic Dry Eye Disease After Cataract Surgery

This research is focused on preventing an annoying problem called dry eye that can sometimes happen after cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is a very common operation to improve vision, but it can unfortunately sometimes lead to dry eyes or make existing dryness worse. There are two special light treatments, called Low-level Light Therapy (LLLT) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), that have shown promise in helping with dry eyes. We don't yet know which of these is more effective at preventing dry eyes specifically after cataract surgery. This study aims to compare LLLT and IPL to find out which one works best to keep people's eyes comfortable three months after their surgery.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Clinique Trenel

Enrolment target

Start

30 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Cataract Surgery Eye Dryness

What is this study about?

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful operations performed worldwide, helping many people see better. However, a common side effect some people experience afterwards is dry eyes. This can feel uncomfortable, like grit in your eye, and can sometimes affect how clearly you see. It happens when your eyes don't produce enough tears, or the tears they do produce aren't good quality.

Currently, there aren't clear guidelines on how to prevent dry eyes before cataract surgery. But because so many people experience this issue afterwards, doctors and researchers are very interested in finding good ways to stop it from happening. We already know that two types of light therapy – Low-level Light Therapy (LLLT) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) – can be helpful in treating existing dry eye conditions.

This study is a research project designed to compare these two light treatments. We want to see if one is better than the other at *preventing* dry eyes in people who are having cataract surgery. The main goal is to understand which treatment, LLLT or IPL, makes people's eyes feel more comfortable and less dry three months after their surgery. We'll be asking people about their dry eye symptoms to find this out.

Key takeaways

Compares two light treatments (LLLT and IPL) to prevent dry eyes after cataract surgery.
Aims to find which treatment is better at keeping your eyes comfortable.
Involves people aged 50 and over having cataract surgery on both eyes.
Participation includes light treatment sessions and eye check-ups over several months.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.
Findings could help many people avoid post-surgery dry eye discomfort.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be at least 50 years old and planning to have cataract surgery on both eyes. It's important that you haven't been using any dry eye treatments, including special eye drops, for at least two months before joining.

Your dry eye symptoms, if you have any, should be mild or non-existent at the start of the study. You also need to be able to answer questionnaires and communicate in French, and be willing to follow the study's instructions. A doctor will check all these points to make sure the study is right for you.

However, you can't take part if you're having a certain type of lens implanted (a multifocal lens), wear contact lenses, or have had previous eye surgery or certain existing eye conditions like macular degeneration. People with certain medical conditions, like autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome), or those with very dark skin, skin sensitive to light, or nerve conditions like epilepsy or light-triggered migraines, also cannot participate. Additionally, if you have skin conditions, tattoos, or permanent make-up near the treatment area, or any other health issue that the study doctor thinks might affect your safety or the study's results, you would not be eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you aged 50 or over?
Are you scheduled for cataract surgery on both eyes?
Have you stopped any dry eye treatments for at least two months?
Do you have mild or no dry eye symptoms right now?
Do you *not* have very dark skin, or conditions like epilepsy or severe light sensitivity?
Do you *not* have certain eye conditions (e.g., macular degeneration, previous eye surgery) or skin issues near the eyes?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study aims to compare two light treatments. If you join, you would receive either Low-level Light Therapy (LLLT) or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) sessions. The exact schedule of these sessions, including how many and how often, will be explained by the study team. You'll also have several visits to the clinic for eye checks and to answer questionnaires about your eye comfort. The main assessment will be at three months after your cataract surgery, to see how your eyes feel. The total duration of your participation in the study, from your first visit to the final check-up, will be detailed by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, you might benefit from either LLLT or IPL helping to prevent dry eye symptoms after your cataract surgery, which could lead to more comfortable eyes. However, as with all treatments, there's always a chance of side effects, which will be fully explained to you. For instance, any medical procedure carries a small risk, and specifically with light therapies, there could be temporary skin changes, though these are usually mild. Your safety is our top priority. Remember, participating in a study is always your choice, and you are free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your future medical care.

Locations (1)

Clinique Trenel
Verified postcode
Sainte-Colombe, France

Common questions

What is dry eye disease?

Dry eye disease means your eyes don't make enough tears or tears of good quality, leading to discomfort, blurry vision, or a gritty feeling.

What is cataract surgery?

It's a common operation to remove a cloudy lens (cataract) from your eye and replace it with a clear artificial one, improving your vision.

What are LLLT and IPL?

LLLT (Low-level Light Therapy) and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) are both light-based treatments that can help with dry eyes. This study compares them.

Why is this study important?

This study helps us find the best way to prevent uncomfortable dry eyes after cataract surgery, which affects many people.

Will I get dry eyes if I have cataract surgery?

Not everyone does, but it can happen or worsen existing dryness. This study aims to find ways to reduce that risk.

How to find out more

Mathieu De Bats, MD

mathieudebats@gmail.com 04 74 78 38 60 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.