RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Photobiomodulation With REd vs BluE Light (REBEL)

This study, called REBEL, is exploring how using different coloured lights (red and blue light therapy) might help common eye conditions like dry eye, blocked eyelid glands (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction), and inflamed eyelids (Blepharitis). Doctors have noticed that light treatment has helped people with similar issues, improving comfort and tear film stability. This research will compare the effects of red and blue light, as well as a combination, to understand if one is more effective or if they work in different ways to improve eyelid health and reduce symptoms. We're also looking at how this treatment might affect the tiny germs on your eyelids and the blood flow there. Participants will have three light treatments over three weeks and be checked for a month afterwards.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Aston University

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2024

Estimated completion

30 Dec 2026

Dry Eye Syndromes Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Blepharitis

What is this study about?

You might have heard of light therapy being used for skin problems, and now doctors are interested in how it could help certain eye conditions. This study, called REBEL (Red vs. Blue Light), focuses on people who suffer from dry eyes, problems with the small oil glands in their eyelids (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction), and inflammation of the eyelids (Blepharitis). These conditions can cause discomfort, watery eyes, and a gritty feeling.

The main idea behind this study is to see if shining specific types of low-level light on the eyelids can make a difference. We already know that red light might help cells produce more energy and heal, while blue light could help reduce unwanted tiny organisms on the eyelids. However, we don't fully understand how these different colours of light affect the eyes and eyelids. This research aims to find out if red light, blue light, or a combination of both is more effective in improving your symptoms, making your tears more stable, and helping your eyelids stay healthier. We'll also be looking at how the treatment affects blood flow in your eyelids and the balance of tiny organisms there.

By taking part, you would be helping us learn more about these common eye conditions and whether light therapy could become a helpful treatment option in the future. The study is a chance to explore new ways to improve eye comfort and health for many people.

Key takeaways

This study explores light therapy for dry eyes, blocked eyelid glands, and inflamed eyelids.
It compares red and blue light, or a combination, to a dummy treatment.
Participation involves 3 treatment visits and 1 follow-up visit over two months.
The study aims to understand how different coloured lights affect eye health.
You won't know which treatment you receive to keep the study fair.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you must be 18 years or older. You should have symptoms of dry eye disease, which we'll check with questionnaires, and also signs that we'll look for during an eye exam. You'll also need to have blocked oil glands in your eyelids (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction) and tiny mites around your eyelashes (ocular demodicosis).

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant, have had other light-based eye treatments recently (within the last month), or wear contact lenses within the last two weeks. Also, if you have other active eye diseases or have had eye surgery or infections in the last six months, you wouldn't be eligible. They will also check if you can attend all appointments.

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 18 years old or older?
Do you have dry eye symptoms and signs?
Do you have blocked oil glands in your eyelids (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction)?
Do you have tiny mites around your eyelashes (ocular demodicosis)?
Are you NOT pregnant?
Have you NOT used contact lenses in the last 2 weeks?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, you'll visit the Aston Dry Eye Clinic in Birmingham a total of four times. The first three visits will be for your treatments, and these will be scheduled one week apart. During these treatment visits, you'll receive either red light, blue light, a combination of both, or a dummy (sham) treatment that feels like light but has no active effect. This is so we can compare the true effects of the real light treatments.

After your third treatment, you'll have one final follow-up visit about a month later. This visit is to see how your eyes have responded to the treatment over time. During each visit, various measurements and tests will be done to check your eye health, including how stable your tears are, the condition of your eyelids, and possibly samples to check the tiny organisms on your eyelids. The total duration of your involvement in the study will be about two months from your first treatment to your final follow-up.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer some potential benefits, such as improvements in your dry eye symptoms, tear stability, and overall eyelid health, depending on which light treatment you receive. However, we cannot guarantee any direct benefit for you. There are generally very few risks associated with low-level light therapy; however, as with any medical procedure, there's always a small chance of unexpected effects or discomfort. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time and for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Auckland
Verified postcode
Auckland, New Zealand· Recruiting
Aston Dry Eye Clinic
Verified postcode
Birmingham, United Kingdom· Completed

Common questions

What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

It's a common condition where the small oil glands in your eyelids get blocked or don't produce enough healthy oil, leading to dry eyes and irritation.

What is Blepharitis?

This is simply inflammation of the eyelids, often causing them to be red, itchy, and crusty.

What does 'sham treatment' mean?

A sham treatment looks and feels like the real treatment but doesn't actually deliver the active light. This helps us ensure any improvements seen are truly due to the light therapy, not just the act of receiving a treatment.

Will I know which treatment I'm getting?

No, you won't know whether you're getting red light, blue light, a combination, or the sham treatment. This is normal for this type of research and helps make the results fairer.

How long will each treatment session take?

The study description doesn't specify the exact duration of each session, but they will likely involve the light therapy application and various eye measurements.

How to find out more

James S Wolffsohn, PhD

j.chiang@aston.ac.uk +441212044400 Official trial record

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