Distribution and Characteristics of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Subtypes: A Multicenter Study in South Korea

Re-Esterified Triglyceride ω-3 Fatty Acids in Dry Eye Disease With Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Taking ω-3 supplements has been associated with a reduction in symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). However, a recent relatively large clinical trial concluded that treating DED with ω-3 consumption was ineffective, potentially warranting additional investigations.

Objectives

To investigate the effect of re-esterified triglyceride (rTG) ω-3 fatty acid supplementation on DED associated with MGD.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This double-masked, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial was conducted at 7 institutions from September 2020 to January 2023. Patients with DED associated with MGD were included and randomly assigned to the ω-3 group (received 1680 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 560 mg of docosahexaenoic acid), whereas those in the grape-seed group received 3000 mg of grape-seed oil daily.

Interventions

rTG ω-3 Fatty acid supplementation vs grape-seed oil.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary end point was the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) from baseline to 6 and 12 weeks. The safety parameters were visual acuity and intraocular pressure change.

Results

A total of 132 patients (mean [SD] age, 50.6 [13.8] years; 103 female [78.0%]) were included in this study. The mean (SD) baseline OSDI scores of the ω-3 and grape-seed groups were 43.5 (16.5) and 44.1 (16.6), respectively. A total of 58 patients (87.9%) and 57 patients (86.4%) in the ω-3 and grape-seed groups, respectively, completed 12 weeks of follow-up. There were no differences in compliance with the dietary supplement intake between groups (ω-3, 95.8% and grape-seed, 95.4%). The OSDI (SD) change from baseline to 6 and 12 weeks was -20.5 (16.0) and -22.7 (15.7), respectively, in the ω-3 group and -15.1 (20.2) and -18.8 (21.7), respectively, in the grape-seed control group (difference at 6 weeks = -5.4; 95% CI, -12.15 to 1.33; P = .12 and at 12 weeks = -3.9; 95% CI, -10.90 to 3.13; P = .28). There were no changes in safety parameters or adverse events related to taking the dietary supplement in either group.

Conclusions and Relevance

This randomized clinical trial did not show a benefit of the rTG form of ω-3 for ameliorating symptoms of DED associated with MGD, although fewer than 60 participants were evaluated in each group. Any secondary outcomes from this study should be considered for hypothesis generation of future evaluations of the effect of the rTG form of ω-3 on DED associated with MGD.

Trial Registration

CRIS Identifier: KCT0004927.

Intense pulsed-light treatment improves objective optical quality in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction

BACKGROUND

To evaluate changes in objective optical quality following intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment combined with meibomian gland (MG) expression (MGX) in patients with MG dysfunction (MGD).

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study included MGD-related dry eye disease (DED) patients who received IPL treatment between March and December 2021 at Kim's Eye Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Each patient underwent four sessions of IPL treatment using Lumenis M22 (Lumenis Ltd., Yokneam, Israel) and MGX at three-week intervals.

RESULTS

This study included 90 eyes from 45 patients with MGD. The mean age was 52.3 ± 16.1 years (range, 20-75 years), and 53.3% (24/45) of patients were female. Compared with the baseline, all clinical symptoms and signs significantly improved after IPL treatment combined with MGX. All optical quality parameters obtained with an optical quality analysis system (OQAS: Visiometrics, Castelldefels, Spain) have improved significantly over the baseline (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with MGD, IPL treatment combined with MGX improved the objective optical quality and clinical signs and symptoms of DED.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between intense pulsed light therapy using two different filters in meibomian gland dysfunction: prospective randomized study

Our study compared treatment efficacy between cut-off and notch filters in intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) through a prospective, randomized paired-eye trial. Additionally, the efficacy of IPL treatment alone was investigated by restricting other conventional treatments. One eye was randomly selected for an acne filter and the other for a 590-nm filter. Identical four regimens of IPL treatments were administered. The tear break-up time (TBUT), Oxford scale, Sjögren's International Clinical Collaborative Alliance (SICCA) staining score, tear matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression, tear osmolarity, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaires were evaluated before and after IPL. Meibomian gland (MG) parameters were measured. When combining the results from both filters, the TBUT, SICCA staining score, OSDI score, and upper and lower lid meibum expressibility were improved after IPL. No significant differences were found between the two filters in the TBUT, Oxford scale, SICCA staining score, MMP-9 expression, tear osmolarity, and MG parameters. Although not significant, the acne filter showed better treatment efficacy than that in the 590-nm filter. IPL alone is efficacious in terms of ocular surface parameters, MG function, and subjective symptoms. Regarding filter selection, both acne and 590-nm filters are promising options for MGD treatment.

Intense pulsed light treatment of the upper and lower eyelids in patients with moderate-to-severe meibomian gland dysfunction

PURPOSE

We investigated the subjective and objective outcome after intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment and meibomian gland expression on the upper and lower eyelids compared with those after IPL treatment on the lower eyelid alone in patients with moderate-to-severe meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

METHODS

Patients who underwent four IPL treatment sessions with meibomian gland expression were divided into upper and lower treatment group and conventional treatment group treated with lower eyelid alone. All patients underwent an ophthalmologic examination and answered a symptom questionnaire before the first treatment and 1 month after the last treatment. An ophthalmologic examination included tear break-up time (TBUT), fluorescein staining score, Schirmer's test, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), meibum grade, color, consistency, and lid margin telangiectasia. Additionally, visual acuity and adverse effects were checked on every visit.

RESULTS

Of 115 patients, 75 in the upper and lower treatment group and 40 in the conventional treatment group were included. TBUT, fluorescein staining score, subjective symptom, and meibum grade were significantly improved in both groups. Additionally, meibum color and consistency of upper and lower eyelids significantly decreased post-treatment in both groups. The lid margin telangiectasia of the upper and lower eyelids significantly decreased post-treatment in the upper and lower treatment group. MMP-9 positivity and grading scores significantly decreased post-treatment in both groups, and no severe adverse effects occurred during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Additional IPL treatment on the upper eyelid using a protective device was proven safe and provided an additive improvement in treating moderate-to-severe MGD.

Investigation of Prognostic Factors for Intense Pulsed Light Treatment with a Vascular Filter in Patients with Moderate or Severe Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

We aimed to investigate the prognostic factors for, and treatment efficacy of, intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment with a vascular filter in patients with moderate or severe meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). In this retrospective observational study, 58 moderate or severe MGD patients who underwent IPL treatment with a vascular filter were enrolled. IPL treatment was administered to the upper and lower eyelids four times at two-week intervals. At baseline, and four weeks after IPL, we evaluated the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression levels, tear break-up times (TBUT), ocular surface staining scores, lid margin telangiectasias, and meibomian gland characteristics. The subjective symptoms and adverse effects were reviewed and recorded. Regression analyses were performed to explore the prognostic factors affecting clinical outcomes. IPL treatment using a vascular filter led to improvements in the TBUT, ocular surface staining score, meibomian gland grade, meibum quality and consistency, lid margin telangiectasia, and symptom score (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, the positivity rate (90.2% to 70.6%, p = 0.013) and expression levels (1.92 ± 1.18 to 1.24 ± 1.18, p < 0.001) of tear MMP-9 improved after the IPL treatment. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, a young age (odds ratio = 0.867, p = 0.007) and a toothpaste-like consistency in the upper lid (odds ratio = 8.449, p = 0.046) were associated with improvements in the meibomian gland grade. No adverse effects were detected. IPL with a vascular filter is a safe and effective treatment for moderate and severe MGD. Age and the meibum consistency in the upper lid are important prognostic factors.

Relationship between meibomian gland loss in infrared meibography and meibum quality in dry eye patients

Background

In the present study, we evaluated the correlation between meibomian gland dropout and meibum quality in the same central 8 meibomian glands of the eyelid.

Methods

Ninety-nine eyes of 91 patients with dry eye were included in the study. Dropout of the 8 central meibomian glands of the eyelids was graded as 0, 1, 2, or 3, according to the dropout area. The meibum quality was graded as follows: grade 0, no secretion; 1, inspissated/toothpaste consistency; 2, cloudy liquid secretion; and 3, clear liquid secretion. For 68 eyes of 68 patients, correlation analysis between dropout and meibum quality was performed. To precisely analyze the direct correlation between meibomian gland dropout in meibography and meibum quality, we evaluated 31 eyes of 23 patients with focal dropout in meibography.

Results

The median (interquartile range) meiboscore was 1.0 (2.0) in the upper eyelids and 0.0 (1.0) in the lower eyelids. The median (interquartile range) meibum quality grade was 3.0 (1.0) in the upper eyelids and 1.0 (1.0) in the lower eyelids. No significant correlation between the meiboscore and meibum quality grade was detected in the upper (p =0.746) or lower (p =0.551) eyelids. Analysis of the direct correlation between meibomian gland dropout in meibography and meibum quality in patients with focal dropout (loss of 1 or 2 adjacent meibomian glands), however, indicated that meibomian glands with dropout secreted little to no meibum.

Conclusions

Overall analysis revealed no relationship between meibomian gland dropout and meibum quality, but more detailed investigation of each meibomian gland alone revealed that meibomian glands with dropout secrete little to no meibum.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-022-02509-5.

Safety and efficacy of a low-level radiofrequency thermal treatment in an animal model of obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a low-level radiofrequency thermal treatment in an obstructive MGD rabbit model. Meibomian gland orifices of the central two-thirds of the upper and lower eyelid margins were coagulated twice at 2-week intervals using a 5-MHz high-frequency electrosurgical unit. Sixteen eyes of eight rabbits were treated with one session of radiofrequency thermal treatment (radiofrequency group) and eight eyes of four rabbits were followed up without treatment (control group). Lid margin abnormality and corneal staining scores, histologic examination of the eyelids and meibombian gland, and meibography imaging were evaluated just before and 4 weeks after meibomian gland orifice closure and 4 weeks after radiofrequency thermal treatment. Lid margin abnormality score improved significantly for the upper and lower eyelids after radiofrequency thermal treatment (P < 0.001 for both eyelids). Corneal staining score remained unchanged in the radiofrequency group; however, the control group saw an increase at final follow-up. There was a significant improvement to almost baseline levels in the mean area of secretory acini in the radiofrequency group (P = 0.004). Additionally, meibography indicated an improvement in meibomian gland loss rate in the radiofrequency group. Low-level radiofrequency thermal treatment heating the inner and outer eyelid surfaces is safe and effective to treat obstructive MGD in a rabbit animal model of MGD.

Evaluation of the meibomian glands using the tear interferometer wearing orthokeratology lenses

Background

To investigate the impact of orthokeratology wear on meibomian glands in Korean pediatric population using the tear interferometer.

Methods

Fifty-three orthokeratology wearers and 79 non-lens wearers were evaluated using the LipiView® II ocular surface interferometer which shows incomplete blink rate, average lipid layer thickness, and meiboscores.

Results

No significant differences in the incomplete blink rate and meiboscores for upper eyelids, but the lipid layer thickness and meiboscores for lower eyelids were significantly higher in the Ortho-K group than in the control group (p = 0.024 and 0.007, respectively). Correlation analysis showed no significant correlation between the duration of orthokeratology wear and the parameters measured by LipiView® (p > 0.05 for all). Among subgroups based on average duration of lens wear, the longer duration (≥ 24 months) subgroup showed higher meiboscores of lower eyelids (p = 0.011), but no other significant differences.

Conclusions

Ortho-K wearers showed no significant differences in the incomplete blink rate and meiboscores of upper eyelids, but they were associated with increased LLT and higher meiboscores of lower eyelids. Thorough examination and close monitoring of orthokeratology wearers is necessary. Prospective and observational studies are needed to further elucidate the relationship between Orthokeratology and meibomian glands.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-022-02365-3.

Efficacy of a 0.05% cyclosporine a topical nanoemulsion in dry eyes with obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of topical cyclosporin A (CsA) in obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, single-blinded, controlled clinical study.

METHODS

Fifty-one patients with obstructive MGD were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The CsA group received 0.05% CsA topical nanoemulsion (Cyporin N®; Taejoon Pharm) twice daily, 0.15% hyaluronic acid eye drops four times daily, and 10 min of warm compress placement on the eyelids twice daily. In the control group, 0.15% hyaluronic acid eye drops were administered six times daily and warm compress was conducted twice daily for 10 min. The ocular surface disease index (OSDI), Schirmer 1 test, tear film break-up time (TBUT), corneal and conjunctival surface staining using fluorescein, eyelid debris and eyelid redness/swelling, upper and lower meibomian gland (MG) secretion scores, and upper and lower MG loss were assessed at the three-month visits.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in observed parameters between the two groups at baseline. At the three-month evaluation, the CsA group showed significantly better improvements in the TBUT, eyelid debris, eyelid redness/swelling, and lower MG secretion score (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). There was no improvement in upper or lower MG loss in either group.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with 0.05% CsA nanoemulsion in combination with warm compress twice daily alleviated signs of dry eyes with obstructive MGD. However, although MG secretion was improved, glandular loss could not be restored with three months of CsA nanoemulsion treatment.

Effect of intense pulsed light using acne filter on eyelid margin telangiectasia in moderate-to-severe meibomian gland dysfunction

Evaluate the improvement in clinical signs and symptoms in patients with moderate-to-severe meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) treated with intense pulsed light (IPL) using an acne filter. A retrospective chart review of 70 eyes of 35 patients with moderate-to-severe MGD treated with IPL using the acne filter was performed. IPL treatment was administered using the acne filter four times at 2- to 3-week intervals to upper and lower eyelids. We evaluated tear break-up time (TBUT), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, Sjögren's International Clinical Collaborative Alliance (SICCA) staining score, and Oxford staining grade. We performed Schirmer's test I without topical anesthesia, slit-lamp microscopic examination of lid margin and meibomian gland, and patient's symptom score assessment and evaluated the incidence of adverse effects in the ocular and periocular areas at baseline and 30 days after the final treatment. Significant improvements (P < 0.001) were observed in TBUT, SICCA staining score, Oxford staining grade, quality of meibum, consistency of meibum, lid margin telangiectasia, MGD grade, and patient's symptom scores after acne filter IPL treatment. Furthermore, the positivity (100 to 71.43%, P = 0.002) and level (2.43 ± 0.98 to 1.14 ± 0.78, P < 0.001) of MMP-9 significantly decreased after treatment. However, there was no significant improvement in Schirmer's test I (P = 0.224). No systemic or regional adverse effects were observed in any patient. IPL treatment using the acne filter is an effective and safe therapeutic modality for treating moderate-to-severe MGD, especially for lid margin telangiectasia and MMP-9.

Effects of Aging on Human Meibum

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine if aging affects meibum lipid composition in non-meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)/non-dry eye (DE) population. Aging has been repeatedly linked to pathological changes in various tissues and organs, including the onset of MGD and DE, in a number of clinical and population-wide surveys. Both conditions have been associated with abnormal meibum secretion and composition, among other factors. However, the chemical basis for such a connection has not been established yet.

Methods

To identify and characterize possible changes in the meibum and meibogenesis with aging, lipidomic analyses of meibum samples collected from human subjects of two age groups - young (29 ± 5 years, n = 21) and elderly (68 ± 7 years, n = 29) - with similar male to female ratios in each group were conducted. Intact lipid species from major lipid groups of meibum (such as wax esters, cholesteryl esters, free cholesterol, triacylglycerols, etc.) were compared using lipidome-wide untargeted (such as Principal Component Analysis) and targeted (such as Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures Discriminant Analysis) approaches, along with focused analyses of specific lipid species in liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS) experiments.

Results

Extremely high similarities of meibum lipids in the two age groups were observed, with only minor changes in the individual lipid species. The magnitude of the intergroup variability for tested lipid species was comparable to the intragroup variability for the same meibum components. No statistically significant differences in the lipid esterification, elongation, and unsaturation patterns were observed.

Conclusions

Chronological aging itself seems to have only minor effect on meibogenesis in healthy, non-MGD/non-DE subjects.

Meibomian gland atrophy with duration of Sjogren's syndrome in adult females

BACKGROUND

To investigate the correlation between the duration of Sjögren syndrome (SS) and ocular surface parameters in patients with SS-related dry eye.

METHODS

We analyzed 108 eyes of 108 female patients with primary SS-related dry eye. All patients underwent rheumatoid serologic tests and ocular surface assessments. The ocular surface assessment included the Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) score, meibomian gland (MG) atrophy, lipid layer thickness (LLT), partial and total blinking, partial blinking rate, Schirmer's I test, non-invasive tear break-up time, and ocular surface staining score. Correlations between the duration of SS and ocular surface assessments were calculated.

RESULTS

The average age and SS duration of the participants were 56.7 ± 10.2 (range 21-78) years and 54.15 ± 41.10 (range 1-134) months, respectively. There was a strong positive correlation between SS duration and MG atrophy (r = 0.766, p < 0.001). The correlation between SS duration and MG atrophy rate remained significant after controlling for age (r = 0.559, p < 0.001). Average, maximum, and minimum LLTs showed weak negative correlations with SS duration (r = - 0.310, - 0.211, and-0.304, respectively, p = 0.014, 0.028, and 0.022, respectively) and MG atrophy (r = - 0.191, - 0.326, and - 0.299, respectively, p = 0.049, 0.002, and 0.009, respectively). SPEED score showed a weak positive correlation to SS duration (r = 0.303, p = 0.042) and a moderate positive correlation to MG atrophy (r = 0.450, p = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

Longer duration of primary SS was related to more severe MG atrophy. Therefore, it is necessary to perform meibography in SS patients to verify MG atrophy status. A comparative study with non-SS dry eye patients is required to validate this study.

Relationship between serum lipid level and meibomian gland dysfunction subtype in Korea using propensity score matching

To analyze the relationship between systemic lipid profile levels and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) subtype in Korea. The ophthalmic data of 95 eyes and the serum lipid profiles of 95 patients were reviewed. These factors were compared with those of the general population using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), which evaluated 2,917 subjects. Of these, the comparison group (1:5 ratio; n = 475) was selected using propensity score matching according to age and sex. In addition, we analyzed the relationship between serum lipid profile levels and MGD subtypes in MGD patients. The mean high-density lipoprotein (HDL) value of the MGD patients was significantly higher than that of the general population (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the mean low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels of the MGD patients was significantly lower than that of the general population (P = 0.0002). However, the mean total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) levels of the MGD patients were not significantly different from those of the general population (TC: P = 0.4282, TG: P = 0.5613). In addition, no serum lipid levels statistically differed among the MGD subtypes (TC: P = 0.7650, HDL: P = 0.2480, LDL: P = 0.3430, TG: P = 0.7030). A statistically significant increase in HDL and decrease in LDL concentration were observed in the MGD group, although there was no difference in any serum lipid level among the MGD subtypes.

Relationship between the partial blink rate and ocular surface parameters

Purpose

To elucidate the relationship between partial blink rate (PBR) and ocular surface parameters.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cross‐sectional study of the patients who visited the Kim’s Eye Hospital between March 2020 and July 2020. Blinking dynamics, tear film lipid layer thickness (LLT), non-invasive tear film break- up time (NITBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), and meibomian gland (MG) dropout rate were assessed using the IDRA^® Ocular surface analyzer (SBM SISTEMI, Inc., Torino, Italy) (IDRA). Dry eye symptoms were quantified by the Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) questionnaire scores.

Results

A total of 47 non-Sjögren dry eye patients (47 right eyes, mean age = 56.8 ± 14.5 [20–75] years, 66% female) were enrolled. Among the ocular surface parameters, PBR had strong correlations with MG dropout rate (r = 0.811; p < 0.01) and moderate correlations with SPEED scores (r = 0.596; p < 0.01). MG dropout rate and age had moderate correlations with SPEED scores (r = 0.416; p = 0.04 and r = 0.322; p = 0.03, respectively). Comparisons by sex revealed no significant difference in characteristics, except for the TMH value. The TMH of female patients (0.17 ± 0.07) was significantly higher than that of males (0.14 ± 0.04; p = 0.04). LLT showed no significant correlation with the other variables.

Conclusion

PBR and MG dropout rates measured with IDRA were significantly correlated to dry eye symptoms.

Ocular surface analysis: A comparison between the LipiView® II and IDRA®

PURPOSE

To compare the lipid layer thickness (LLT), meibomian gland (MG) dropouts, and blinking pattern determined by the analysis of images acquired from the LipiView^® II (LVII) and the IDRA^® Ocular surface analyzer.

METHODS

A cross-sectional single-visit observational study was conducted. The LLT (minimum, maximum, and average), percentages of MG dropouts, and partial blink rates (PBR) were taken from both eyes of 47 participants using LVII and IDRA. Both devices were used to image the inferior eyelid of each participant in a random order.

RESULTS

Forty-seven participants (mean age 56.77 ± 14.47 (21-79) years, 66% female) completed the study. There was no significant difference in LLT between the two devices. A significant difference in percentages of MG dropouts was obtained between the LVII (36.51 ± 17.53) and the IDRA (45.36 ± 21.87), p = 0.003). There was also a significant difference in PBR between the LVII (0.51 ± 0.37) and the IDRA (0.23 ± 0.27), p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

No significant difference in LLT was obtained between LVII and IDRA. IDRA had a significantly lesser percentage of MG dropout and a higher PBR compared to LVII. These results indicate that these devices should not be used interchangeably for the evaluation of MG dropouts and PBR.

Sex and age differences in symptoms and signs of dry eye disease in a Norwegian cohort of patients

PURPOSE

To investigate sex and age differences in symptoms and signs in a Norwegian clinic-based cohort of patients with dry eye disease (DED).

METHODS

Visitors at the Norwegian Dry Eye Clinic were examined using Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire score, tear osmolarity, tear break-up time (TFBUT), ocular surface staining, corneal sensitivity, Schirmer I test, and meibum expressibility (ME) and quality (MQ). A diagnosis of DED was made by an ophthalmologist based on symptoms and signs, and only DED patients were enrolled in the study: 1823 patients (338 males; mean age 51.2 ± 16.2 years; 1485 females; mean age 52.5 ± 16.0 years). The patients were divided into age subgroups: 20-39 years, 40-59 years and ≥60 years. Sex differences in the aforementioned tests were analyzed. Values were reported as mean ± standard deviation (SD), and intergroup comparisons were performed using Mann-Whitney U test. Multiple regression was used to analyze sex and age influences on symptoms and signs.

RESULTS

When patients of all ages were analyzed, females had increased osmolarity, shorter TFBUT, reduced MQ and ME and higher corneal sensitivity. OSDI, Schirmer I test, ocular surface staining and corneal staining were not significantly different between the sexes. Only with TFBUT and ME were the sex difference present in all age subgroups. Multiple regression showed that all parameters were influenced by either sex or age, but only TFBUT and ME were influenced by both sex and age. (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Sex and age differences in dry eye were most consistent in TFBUT and ME, that indicate differences in meibomian gland functionality. Sex and age subgroup stratification is important in future studies investigating DED in other populations.

Relationship between eyelid margin irregularity and meibomian gland dropout

PURPOSE

To examine the relationship between lid margin abnormalities and meibomian gland loss in infrared meibography.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective chart review of 170 patients with dry eye disease. A correlation analysis between eyelid margin abnormalities and meibomian gland dropout in infrared meibography was performed using data from 141 eyes. We graded the following eyelid margin abnormalities: irregular lid margin, vascular engorgement, plugging, anterior placement of the mucocutaneous junction, exposed terminal duct, and presence of tattoos. Multiple regression analyses were performed with meiboscore (meibomian gland dropout grade) as the dependent variable and age, sex, lid margin abnormality grades, and total grading score of lid margin abnormalities as the covariates. In addition, Meibomian glands structure were examined in those with eyelid margin dimpling using meibography in 25 eyes.

RESULTS

In the multiple regression analysis, an irregular lid margin in the upper eyelid was associated with a higher meiboscore after controlling for age and sex (coefficients B = 1.379, p = 0.025). Other lid margin abnormalities did not significantly affect the meiboscore. In the lower eyelids, irregular lid margin (coefficients B = 0.602, p = 0.009) and total grading score of lid margin abnormality were associated with higher meiboscores (coefficients B = 0.100, p = 0.022). Of the 25 eyes with dimples, 21 (84%) showed focal or complete meibomian gland loss at the site.

CONCLUSIONS

Lid margin abnormalities were found to be associated with meibomian gland dropout.

Clinical efficacy of eyelid hygiene in blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction after cataract surgery: a randomized controlled pilot trial

The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate the effect of eyelid hygiene on subjective symptoms, anterior blepharitis, and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) after cataract surgery. Subjects with obstructive MGD who underwent cataract surgery were randomly divided into two groups. In the eyelid hygiene group, eyelid hygiene was performed twice a day for 10 days from 3 days before to 1 week after cataract surgery. The control group did not perform eyelid hygiene. A subjective symptom questionnaire of SPEED, anterior blepharitis grade, and meibum quality and quantity was evaluated at baseline and at postoperative 1 and 4 weeks. The eyelid hygiene group (n = 36) showed decreased SPEED score after cataract surgery and the control group (n = 33) did not. Anterior blepharitis grade was worse 1 week after surgery in the control group but not in the eyelid hygiene group. The control group had significantly decreased meibum quality and quantity in both the upper and lower eyelids after cataract surgery, but the eyelid hygiene group did not. Eyelid hygiene before/after cataract surgery improved postoperative subjective symptoms and prevented postoperative exacerbation of anterior blepharitis and MGD. Thus, perioperative eyelid hygiene is recommended for patients with obstructive MGD who undergo cataract surgery.

Analysis of Clinical and Regional Distribution Characteristics of Obstructive Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in China: A Multicenter Study

Purpose: To analyze the clinical and regional distribution characteristics of obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction (OMGD) in China. Methods: A total of 2900 patients (2900 eyes) diagnosed with OMGD were enrolled in this multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear film breakup time (FBUT), Schirmer test (SI), lipid layer thickness (LLT), OMGD grade, meibomian gland loss score (Meiboscore), meibum expressibility score (MES), meibum quality score (MQS), Lid margin abnormality score(LMS) and other tear film stability markers were evaluated. Results: The prevalence of dry eye in OMGD patients was 89%. There were gender differences among OMGD patients in the 30-39 and 50-59 years age groups (p < .05), and FBUT, Meiboscore, MES and MQS were significantly different among different OMGD grades (p < .05). There were significant differences in the detection indexes of OMGD patients in the six regions (p < .05), except LLT (p = .329). According to the Qinling-Huaihe River in China, OMGD patients were divided into the North Group (Shenyang and Beijing) and South Group (Wuhan, Changsha, Chongqing, and Chengdu). There was a significant difference in the detection indexes, except LLT (p = .600), between the two groups (p < .05). FBUT was significantly correlated with the OSDI (r = -0.131; p < .000). Meiboscore and LLT were significantly correlated with the OMGD grade (r = 0.299 and r = 0.106; p < .001). Age, LMS and MQS were significantly correlated with Meiboscore (r = 0.415, r = 0.256 and r = 0.328; p < .001). Conclusions: The prevalence of dry eye was high among OMGD patients. OMGD patients in different age groups may show different gender distributions. The symptoms of patients showed variation among subgroups with different OMGD grades and among different regions.