LOSS OF MEIBOMIAN GLANDS ANALYZED BY MEIBOGRAPHY IN PATIENTS WITH EVAPORATIVE DRY EYE DISEASE CAUSED BY MEIBOMIAN GLAND DYSFUNCTION
Keywords:
Meibomian gland dysfunction, meibography, Meiboscore, TBUT, Schirmer II testAbstract
Introduction: Meibomian gland dysfunction is the most common cause of evaporative dry eye disease. Meibography is a modern imaging tool that provides insight into the anatomical and morphological characteristics of the meibomian glands. The aim of this study was to determine the degree of meibomian gland loss using meibography in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction who suffer from evaporative dry eye disease.
Materials and methods: The study included 20 patients diagnosed with meibomian gland dysfunction who suffer from evaporative dry eye disease. A clinical examination of the eyelids of both eyes was performed; the clinical grade of the disease was determined, and the TBUT, Schirmer II test, and meniscometry were conducted. Subsequently, meibography was performed on all four eyelids.
Results: Statistical analysis of the 40 eyes showed a strong positive correlation between the meiboscore and clinical grading (r=0.8809, p<0.0001), while the correlation with the TBUT test showed a strong negative relationship (r=-0.7726, p<0.0001). Schirmer II test and meniscometry demonstrated a weak, statistically insignificant correlation with the Meiboscore.
Conclusion: Meibomian gland loss is assessed by meibography, which is an important modern tool in ophthalmology that can facilitate an easier and more efficient diagnosis of meibomian gland dysfunction in patients with evaporative type of dry eye disease.
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