{
  "abstract": "Background: Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a prevalent multifactorial condition characterized by tear film instability and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Warm compress therapy remains a cornerstone for improving lipid layer function. However, very limited comparative data exist on newer USB-powered devices vs. self-heating masks in Middle Eastern populations. Methods: This randomized crossover clinical trial compared USB-powered and self-heating masks in 15 participants aged 18–40 years with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) associated eye (tear break-up time ≤10 s). Each intervention was scheduled for five consecutive days, separated by a two-week washout. The prespecified primary outcome was non-invasive TBUT measured with the OCULUS Keratograph 4M; tear meniscus height (TMH) and symptom scores were secondary outcomes. A two-way ANOVA and Post-hoc Bonferroni tests adjusted for multiple comparisons were used for analysis. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07618169). Results: All 15 participants contributed data to both intervention phases. Across observed visits, the USB-powered device was associated with higher TBUT (likelihood-ratio χ2(1) = 7.43, p = 0.006) and TMH (χ2(1) = 4.49, p = 0.034). Day 5 descriptive means with USB-Powered compress and self-heating mask were 9.53 ± 2.18 s versus 7.21 ± 2.90 s for TBUT, and 0.200 ± 0.020 mm versus 0.188 ± 0.016 mm for TMH, respectively. No significant between-device difference was observed in SPEED scores, although mean scores showed a mild improvement, and no adverse events were reported. Conclusions: USB-powered warm compresses provided superior outcomes in enhancing tear film stability and volume compared to self-heating masks. Consistent temperature control and reusability make them a promising at-home therapy for patients with MGD. USB-powered devices may be preferred for patients requiring sustained thermal therapy, particularly in arid climates with variable indoor cooling. Further large-scale trials are warranted to confirm these findings. Clinical Trial Registration: This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration number: NCT07618169.",
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  "affiliations": [
    "Optometry Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia"
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      "name": "Ali M. Al Saqr"
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    {
      "name": "Moath Faisal Alharbi"
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    {
      "name": "Meshary Alrumizan"
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    {
      "name": "Ali Abusharha"
    }
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  "doi": "10.1371/journal.pone.0360762",
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  "licence": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "licence_label": "CC BY 4.0",
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  "published": "2026-10-13",
  "publisher": "Public Library of Science",
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  "title": "USB-powered vs. self-heating warm compresses for meibomian gland dysfunction: A prospective randomized crossover clinical trial",
  "title_text": "USB-powered vs. self-heating warm compresses for meibomian gland dysfunction: A prospective randomized crossover clinical trial",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-10-30T12:17:30Z",
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