Effects of Intense Pulsed Light on Tear Film TGF-beta and Microbiome in Ocular Rosacea with Dry Eye

This purpose of this study is to assess tear film transforming growth factor-beta and ocular microbiome changes after intense pulsed light with meibomian gland expression compared to meibomian gland expression alone in treating ocular rosacea with dry eye symptoms. Despite the general acceptance of IPL as a therapy for ocular rosacea with dry eye, the mechanism of action by which it works is unknown. Identifying alterations in tear cytokines or the ocular microbiome associated with IPL would elucidate potential mechanisms by which IPL achieves its efficacy in providing symptom relief.