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Radio Frequency (Forma Eye) Treatment for Dry Eye Disease Due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Clinical Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy of Radio Frequency (Forma Eye) Treatment for Dry Eye Disease Due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT04120584
Enrollment
47
Registered
2019-10-09
Start date
2019-10-22
Completion date
2022-07-25
Last updated
2025-10-24

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Improvement of Dry Eye Disease

Brief summary

The aim of the study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency treatment for dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction

Interventions

DEVICEForma Eye Applicator

Eligible subjects will receive up to 3 treatments (2-3 weeks interval) with the Forma Eye Applicator according to the study protocol. The subject will return for 3 follow up visits: four weeks (4wk FU), 12 weeks (12wk FU), twenty-four weeks (24wk FU) after the last treatment.

Sponsors

InMode MD Ltd.
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 75 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Adult females and males between the ages of 18 -75, seeking treatments for Dry Eye Disease Due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction 2. Tear breakup time (TBUT) ≤10 s; 3. Evidence of meibomian gland (MG) obstruction, based on total MGS of ≤12 in lower eyelids for each eye as assessed by a clinician not involved in the study procedure 4. Subjective symptom score (using the Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness \[SPEED\] questionnaire) ≥10; 5. At least one meibomian gland opening with a visible plugging over the eyelid margin 6. No ocular pathology requiring treatment other than eye lubricant and conventional eyelid hygiene within the last month and during the study 7. The subjects should understand the information provided about the investigative nature of the treatment, possible benefits, and side effects, and sign the Informed Consent Form 8. The subjects should be willing to comply with the study procedure and schedule, including follow up visits. 9. Agreement/ability to abstain from dry eye/MGD medications or any device treatments for the time between the treatment visit and the final study visit. Ocular lubricants are allowed if no changes are made during the study.

Exclusion criteria

1. Evidence of co-existing ocular conditions potentially posing an increased risk of procedure-related injury, (e.g., active ocular infection or inflammation in either eye) 2. History of ocular trauma or surgery including intraocular, oculoplastic, corneal or refractive surgery within 1 year 3. Ocular surface abnormality potentially compromising corneal integrity in either eye; eyelid abnormalities affecting lid function in either eye 4. Systemic disease conditions that cause dry eye (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, vitamin A deficiency, rheumatoid arthritis, Wegener's granulomatosis, sarcoidosis, leukemia, Riley-Day syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome) 5. Unwillingness to abstain from systemic medications known to cause dryness for the study duration. 6. Individuals who have either changed the dosing of systemic or non-dry eye/MGD ophthalmic medication within the past 30 days prior to screening 7. Internal defibrillator, a pacemaker or any other implanted electrical device anywhere in the body 8. Permanent metal implant in the treatment area 9. Any surgery in the treatment area in the last 3 months 10. Current or history of skin cancer, or current condition of any other type of cancer, or pre-malignant moles 11. Pregnancy and nursing or females of childbearing potential and not utilizing adequate birth control measures 12. Impaired immune system due to immunosuppressive diseases such as AIDS and HIV, or use of immunosuppressive medications 13. Patients with a history of diseases stimulated by heat, such as recurrent Herpes Simplex in the treatment area, may be treated only following a prophylactic regimen. 14. Poorly controlled endocrine disorders, such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, polycystic ovary, and hormonal virilization 15. Any active condition in the treatment area, such as but not limited to open sores, psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, herpes, and rash. 16. History of skin disorders, keloids, abnormal wound healing, as well as very dry and fragile skin 17. Severe concurrent conditions, such as cardiac disorders, sensory disturbances. 18. Use of Isotretinoin (Accutane®) within 6 months prior to treatment. 19. Participation in another study within 30 days prior to screening. \-

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Standardized Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED)6 monthsChange dry eye symptoms evaluated by Standardized Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) This questionnaire gives a score from 0 to 28. Lower score indicates better outcome. 0-4: mild, 5-7: moderate, 8+: severe Scale range: 0 (minimum; no symptoms) to 28 (maximum; most severe symptoms). Interpretation: Lower scores indicate better outcomes. Symptom severity can be categorized as: 0-4 = mild, 5-7 = moderate, 8-28 = severe.
Meibomian Gland Score (MGS), as Assessed by a Masked Rater6 monthsThe Meibomian Gland Score (MGS) is a standardized clinical tool used to assess the functional quality of the meibomian glands, which are responsible for secreting the oily layer of the tear film. Dysfunction in these glands is a common cause of dry eye disease and evaporative dry eye. The scoring typically involves gentle expression of the meibomian glands, usually from a designated number of glands (commonly 15, e.g., 5 each from the nasal, central, and temporal parts of the lower eyelid). Each gland is evaluated based on the quality of the secretion it produces. Scoring Criteria per Gland: Each gland is scored on a 0-3 scale: 0 = No secretion 1. = Inspissated/toothpaste-like secretion 2. = Cloudy secretion 3. = Clear, healthy oil If 15 glands are assessed, the maximum total score is 45 (15 glands × 3 points per gland). A higher total MGS reflects better meibomian gland function and healthier tear film, indicating a more favorable condition.
Tear Break-Up Time6 monthsTear Break-Up Time (TBUT) Changes in dry eye symptoms such as ocular fatigue or dryness will be assessed by TBUT. The measurement is reported in seconds. * Scale range: 0 seconds (minimum) to \>10 seconds (maximum normal value considered). * Interpretation: \>10 seconds = normal, 5-10 seconds = marginal, \<5 seconds = low.
Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI)6 monthsOcular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) This 12-item questionnaire assesses dry eye symptoms and their effects. Scale range: 0 (minimum) to 100 (maximum). Interpretation: Lower scores indicate better outcomes.
Corneal Surface Fluorescent Staining Using NEI (National Eye Institute) Grading6 monthsChange in measurements using ocular surface fluorescent staining. The NEI scale divides the corneal and conjunctival surfaces to grade fluorescein uptake. Each of 5 areas per cornea is graded 0-3. The NEI scale for grading fluorescein staining divides the corneal and conjunctival surfaces to help measure fluorescein uptake. A standardized grading system of 0 to 3 is used for each of the five areas on each cornea. Scale range: 0 (minimum; no staining) to 15 (maximum). Interpretation: Lower scores indicate better outcomes.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Subject's Assessment of Improvement6 monthsSubject assessment of improvement based on 0 - 4-point Likert scale. Improvement assessment will be performed independently by the subject himself on the following 0-4 points Likert scale questionnaire (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale): 4 = Significantly marked improvement; 3 = Marked improvement; 2 = Moderate improvement; 1 = Slight improvement; 0 = No difference Scale range: 0 (no difference) to 4 (significant marked improvement).
Subject Assessment of Satisfaction6 monthsSubject assessment of satisfaction will be filled-out by subjects only using 5-points Likert scale: +2 = Very satisfied; +1 = Satisfied; 0 = Indifferent; -1 = Disappointed; -2 = Very disappointed. Scale range: -2 (very disappointed) to +2 (very satisfied). Interpretation: Higher scores indicate better outcomes.
Safety Assessment6 weeksDiscomfort assessment during the treatment using NSR scale. At each treatment the subject will be asked to fill assessments for the pain/discomfort during the procedure. The subject will be asked to rate the severity from 0 to 10, with 0 equaling no symptoms and 10 equaling the worst possible symptoms. A number is obtained by measuring up to the point the subject has indicated. Scale range: 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain).

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Forma-Eye treatment
Eligible subjects will receive up to 3 treatments in both eyes(2-3 weeks interval) with the Forma Eye Applicator according to the study protocol.
35
Total35

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicForma-Eye treatment
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
4 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
31 Participants
Age, Continuous47.79 years
Corneal Surface fluorescent staining using NEI (National Eye Institute) grading
Left eye
2.85 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.51
Corneal Surface fluorescent staining using NEI (National Eye Institute) grading
Right eye
2.7 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.15
Meibomian Gland Score (MGS), as Assessed by a Masked Rater
Left Eye
5.32 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.13
Meibomian Gland Score (MGS), as Assessed by a Masked Rater
Right Eye
6 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.17
Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI)34.5 score on scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 18.6
Race and Ethnicity Not Collected— Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
27 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
8 Participants
Standardized Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED)15.647 score on scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.7
Tear Break-Up Time
Left eye
2.9 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.06
Tear Break-Up Time
Right eye
2.77 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.56

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 47
other
Total, other adverse events
2 / 47
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 47

Outcome results

Primary

Corneal Surface Fluorescent Staining Using NEI (National Eye Institute) Grading

Change in measurements using ocular surface fluorescent staining. The NEI scale divides the corneal and conjunctival surfaces to grade fluorescein uptake. Each of 5 areas per cornea is graded 0-3. The NEI scale for grading fluorescein staining divides the corneal and conjunctival surfaces to help measure fluorescein uptake. A standardized grading system of 0 to 3 is used for each of the five areas on each cornea. Scale range: 0 (minimum; no staining) to 15 (maximum). Interpretation: Lower scores indicate better outcomes.

Time frame: 6 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Forma Eye treatmentCorneal Surface Fluorescent Staining Using NEI (National Eye Institute) GradingRight eye0.18 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.77
Forma Eye treatmentCorneal Surface Fluorescent Staining Using NEI (National Eye Institute) GradingLeft eye0.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.19
Primary

Meibomian Gland Score (MGS), as Assessed by a Masked Rater

The Meibomian Gland Score (MGS) is a standardized clinical tool used to assess the functional quality of the meibomian glands, which are responsible for secreting the oily layer of the tear film. Dysfunction in these glands is a common cause of dry eye disease and evaporative dry eye. The scoring typically involves gentle expression of the meibomian glands, usually from a designated number of glands (commonly 15, e.g., 5 each from the nasal, central, and temporal parts of the lower eyelid). Each gland is evaluated based on the quality of the secretion it produces. Scoring Criteria per Gland: Each gland is scored on a 0-3 scale: 0 = No secretion 1. = Inspissated/toothpaste-like secretion 2. = Cloudy secretion 3. = Clear, healthy oil If 15 glands are assessed, the maximum total score is 45 (15 glands × 3 points per gland). A higher total MGS reflects better meibomian gland function and healthier tear film, indicating a more favorable condition.

Time frame: 6 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Forma Eye treatmentMeibomian Gland Score (MGS), as Assessed by a Masked RaterRight eye21.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 11.26
Forma Eye treatmentMeibomian Gland Score (MGS), as Assessed by a Masked RaterLeft Eye23.9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 12.84
p-value: <0.001ANOVA
Primary

Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI)

Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) This 12-item questionnaire assesses dry eye symptoms and their effects. Scale range: 0 (minimum) to 100 (maximum). Interpretation: Lower scores indicate better outcomes.

Time frame: 6 months

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Forma Eye treatmentOcular Surface Disease Index (OSDI)23.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 18.59
Primary

Standardized Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED)

Change dry eye symptoms evaluated by Standardized Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) This questionnaire gives a score from 0 to 28. Lower score indicates better outcome. 0-4: mild, 5-7: moderate, 8+: severe Scale range: 0 (minimum; no symptoms) to 28 (maximum; most severe symptoms). Interpretation: Lower scores indicate better outcomes. Symptom severity can be categorized as: 0-4 = mild, 5-7 = moderate, 8-28 = severe.

Time frame: 6 months

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Forma Eye treatmentStandardized Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED)9.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.79
p-value: <0.001ANOVA
Primary

Tear Break-Up Time

Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) Changes in dry eye symptoms such as ocular fatigue or dryness will be assessed by TBUT. The measurement is reported in seconds. * Scale range: 0 seconds (minimum) to \>10 seconds (maximum normal value considered). * Interpretation: \>10 seconds = normal, 5-10 seconds = marginal, \<5 seconds = low.

Time frame: 6 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Forma Eye treatmentTear Break-Up TimeRight eye7.1 secondsStandard Deviation 3.5
Forma Eye treatmentTear Break-Up TimeLeft eye7.055 secondsStandard Deviation 2.76
Secondary

Safety Assessment

Discomfort assessment during the treatment using NSR scale. At each treatment the subject will be asked to fill assessments for the pain/discomfort during the procedure. The subject will be asked to rate the severity from 0 to 10, with 0 equaling no symptoms and 10 equaling the worst possible symptoms. A number is obtained by measuring up to the point the subject has indicated. Scale range: 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain).

Time frame: 6 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Forma Eye treatmentSafety Assessment1.6 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.9
Secondary

Subject Assessment of Satisfaction

Subject assessment of satisfaction will be filled-out by subjects only using 5-points Likert scale: +2 = Very satisfied; +1 = Satisfied; 0 = Indifferent; -1 = Disappointed; -2 = Very disappointed. Scale range: -2 (very disappointed) to +2 (very satisfied). Interpretation: Higher scores indicate better outcomes.

Time frame: 6 months

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Forma Eye treatmentSubject Assessment of Satisfaction1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.87
Secondary

Subject's Assessment of Improvement

Subject assessment of improvement based on 0 - 4-point Likert scale. Improvement assessment will be performed independently by the subject himself on the following 0-4 points Likert scale questionnaire (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale): 4 = Significantly marked improvement; 3 = Marked improvement; 2 = Moderate improvement; 1 = Slight improvement; 0 = No difference Scale range: 0 (no difference) to 4 (significant marked improvement).

Time frame: 6 months

ArmMeasureValue (MEDIAN)Dispersion
Forma Eye treatmentSubject's Assessment of Improvement1.71 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.48

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026