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The TFOS (Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society) DEWS III Report, published on the American Journal of Ophthalmology, acknowledges Low-level Light Therapy (LLLT) photobiomodulation (PBM) and the eye-light® solution as management platform for tear film instability, dry eye disease and beyond.
Developed by Espansione Group, a med-tech pioneer specializing in light-based technologies in ophthalmology and dermatology which joined EssilorLuxottica in February 2025, the eye-light® device is acknowledged in the global consensus report for the first time. This milestone highlights the growing recognition of LLLT (PBM) alongside Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) as clinical tools to enhance tear film stability and support eyecare practitioners in managing the complex, multifactorial nature of DED.
The TFOS DEWS III is the most comprehensive report on dry eye disease (DED) and overall tear film health, encompassing definition, diagnosis and management, and providing an evidence-based framework for eyecare practitioners (ECPs) worldwide by offering guidance in selecting relevant interventions based on disease etiology. The report is considered as a global reference point to unify global dry eye care, a complex and multi-factorial eye condition, and updates the TFOS DEWS II report published in 2017.
The eight-year update to the TFOS global consensus cites multiple peer-reviewed, randomized and controlled trials demonstrating significant improvements in tear-film stability, meibomian gland function and patient-reported symptoms following Light Modulation™ LLLT (PBM) treatment, offered on eye-light® platform alongside IPL, also part of Espansione Group’s current offering.
On IPL technology, citing the TFOS DEWS III report:
“Since 2017, an increasing number of clinical trials have been conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of IPL. These trials have mostly been aimed at treatment of moderate to advanced MGD. IPL treatments have demonstrated reduced symptoms and signs of DED (Chen et al. 2021; Toyos, Desai, et al. 2022; Whang, Yun, and Koh 2023; Xue et al. 2020), improved optical quality (Whang, Yun, and Koh 2023), supporting an improved tear film lipid layer (Song et al. 2022; Xue et al. 2020) and reduced dependence on the application of tear supplements (Song et al. 2022).”
On LLLT technology and the eye-light® device, extracting from the report:
“This type of photobiomodulation had its beginnings in dermatology and is now also demonstrating efficacy in lid diseases that contribute to DED and other inflammatory conditions of the ocular surface and periocular area.
[…]
A significant difference between LLLT and IPL is that LLLT can be applied directly to the eyelids, unlike IPL. Also, LLLT is unaffected by skin colour and can therefore be applied safely to all skin types.
[…]
A randomized clinical trial comparing LLLT and IPL (n=20 in each group) found both treatments to be effective in alleviating ocular discomfort symptoms and safe, although LLLT resulted in a more significant improvement in symptoms and an increase in tear volume (Giannaccare, Pellegrini, et al. 2023).
[…]
Several studies have combined the effect of IPL with LLLT using the eye-light® device in participants with MGD (D'Souza et al. 2023; El Shami et al. 2022; Marta et al. 2021; D'Souza et al. 2022; Stonecipher et al. 2019). In a multicenter retrospective chart review, researchers evaluated the effects of combined IPL and LLLT therapy delivered with the eye-light® device on 460 eyes of participants who were unresponsive to other medical management for MGD (Stonecipher et al. 2019). Following the combined treatment, mean OSDI scores were significantly lower. In addition, a one-step or greater reduction in MGD grading was found in 70% of eyes, and 28% of eyes had a two-step or greater reduction and TBUT also improved. Prior to treatment, TBUT was ≤6 seconds in 86.7% of eyes, versus 33.9% of eyes after treatment (Stonecipher et al. 2019).”
Finally, beyond dry eye disease, regarding the ability of Blue LLLT to impact bacterial-load related conditions, the DEWS III Management & Therapy Report mentions the opportunity presented by wavelengths in that specific spectrum. Citing directly from the report:
“Patients who may benefit from blue LLLT are patients with bacterial overload on their lid margins and eyelashes. By reducing this biofilm via the antimicrobial properties of blue light LLLT, the speed of resolution of blepharitis can theoretically be enhanced. Further well controlled studies are required to optimize the appropriate clinical protocols to reduce bacterial biofilm on the lid.”
Matteo Corbellino, Chief Marketing & Innovation Officer, noted:
"The inclusion of our proprietary therapeutic technologies in the TFOS DEWS III report, the gold standard for dry eye and ocular surface management, is an important recognition of the growing awareness and momentum our solutions have been gaining.
While there’s still a lot of work to be done, this milestone pushes us to venture onward and focus on the global adoption of our technologies for them to become the go-to paradigm in light-based ocular surface management".
Through Light Modulation™ LLLT (PBM) on eye-light® Espansione Group provides eye-care professionals with an evidence-based, non-pharmaceutical option that can be seamlessly integrated into comprehensive dry-eye and ocular surface management pathways, helping millions of patients achieve comfort and visual performance.
Espansione Group is thankful to the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society, to its scholars and contributors for the opportunity, and for all the time and energy that went into drafting and publishing this open-access report.
References
JONES, Lyndon, et al. TFOS DEWS III Management and Therapy Report. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajo.2025.05.039
WOLFFSOHN, James S., et al. TFOS DEWS III Diagnostic Methodology Report. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajo.2025.05.033
American Journal of Ophthalmology, 2025.
Notes
The eye-light® device is CE-marked as a Class IIA medical device. Availability and regulatory status vary by country.
About Espansione Group
Espansione Group is a recognized pioneer in the medtech industry, focusing on the development of non-invasive treatment and diagnostic technologies built for the betterment of all.
The company focuses relentlessly on establishing new paradigms across disciplines, from ophthalmology to dermatology and beyond, driven by its desire to advance regenerative medicine, providing its partners and their patients with the best, certified medical technologies—above all Light Modulation™ Low-level Light Therapy (LM™ LLLT) Photobiomodulation (PBM).
Present in over 50 countries, Espansione Group joined EssilorLuxottica in February 2025 and it aims to continue its strong growth in years to come by the means of a constant commitment to research, development, and customer excellence.
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Posted on June 10th, 2025 in Newsroom