Quantum Molecular Resonance Effects on Patients With Dry Eye Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of quantum molecular resonance in the treatment of dry eye disease. Methods: This study was a double-blind randomized control trial in 1 academic medical center, for 2 years. Participants received treatment or a placebo with the Rexon-Eye device, once per week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in dry eye symptoms assessed by the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Secondary outcomes were clinical findings associated with the dry eye such as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) score, tear break-up time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining, Schirmer test, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results: Forty patients were recruited, 20 in each arm. The mean age was 63.5 ± 15.1 years and 27 (67.5%) were female. The mean OSDI score significantly improved in the intervention group from 19.15 ± 10.3 to 10.5 ± 7.0 (P < 0.001), whereas the control group showed no significant change (14.4 ± 8.4 to 15.5 ± 8.6, P = 0.830). MGD scores significantly improved in the intervention group (1.57 ± 1.2 to 0.8 ± 0.9, P = 0.006), whereas showing no significant change in the control group (1.60 ± 0.9 to 1.99 ± 1.0, P = 0.244). The corneal staining score also showed significant improvement in the intervention group (P = 0.045) and a nonsignificant decline in the placebo group (P = 0.50). No significant difference was seen in TBUT, visual acuity, and Schirmer scores between groups. No harm resulting from treatment was reported during the duration of the trial. Conclusions: High-frequency electrotherapy may have a positive effect on symptoms and signs of dry eye. This emerging technology may become part of the arsenal of therapeutic modalities for this condition.