Utility of meibography in the evaluation of meibomian glands morphology in normal and diseased eyelids

PurposeTo study the utility of meibography for the morphology of meibomian glands in normal eyelids and in various eyelid diseases.DesignA cross-sectional study.MethodsA newly designed transilluminator, fitting both the upper along with lower eyelids, and an infrared camera were used to obtain video clips of the meibomian glands for 60 asymptomatic subjects with normal eyelid margin. Parameters studied included, ocular surface, Schirmer test, and tear breakup time (TBUT). The meibomian glands of patients with meibomian glands’ abnormality secondary to infectious, inflammatory, malignant, congenital, or post-radiation therapy disease related etiologies were compared with normal patients. Still pictures were extracted from the video clips to evaluate the meibomian glands for gland dropout and gross morphological changes.ResultsIn normal subjects, meibomian glands appeared to be thinner and longer in the upper eye lids than in the lower eye lids. Gland dropout occured with increased age, more in the lower eye lid and in females. Excessive gland drop out (> 75%) was seen in patients with history of trachoma, Stevens Johnson syndrome, severe blepharitis, and post-radiation for orbital tumors. Variable gland drop out was noticed in patients with floppy eyelid syndrome, and blepharitis. In patients with congenital distichiasis, partial or complete gland drop out at the part of the eyelid margins affected by distichiasis was noticed.ConclusionsThe newly designed transilluminator permitted the examination of both upper and lower eye lid meibomian glands with minimal discomfort. Evaluating the anatomical changes involving meibomian glands with meibography may help increase our understanding of the meibomian gland-related diseases, monitor the effects of treatment, and provide helpful information for patient education.     

Tear film lipid layer thickness measurement from Ocular Surface Analyzer as a marker to monitor treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction in a study comparing physiological detergent-free eyelid wipes with conventional therapy: A randomized trial

Purpose:To compare the efficacy of physiological, non-detergent eyelid wipes with conventional lid hygiene in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).Methods:Fifty participants with MGD were recruited and randomized into two groups. Participants in group I used Evolve Pure™ Eyewipes twice a day to clean the eyelid debris along with standard therapy (antibiotic and lubricants) and participants in group II followed lid hygiene with warm compresses along with standard therapy. Symptoms, ocular surface assessment (lipid layer thickness, tear meniscus height, non-invasive tear film breakup time, and meibography), slit-lamp biomicroscopy (eyelash contamination, meibomian gland blockage, meibomian gland secretion, and meibomian gland telangiectasia) and tear film osmolarity were noted at baseline and 90 days after therapy.Results:Significant improvement in symptoms and signs of MGD was observed in both groups after treatment (P < 0.001); however, the clinical improvement was better with the use of eyelid wipes. Lipid layer thickness increased significantly in group I (P = 0.0006) and group II (P = 0.0002), which was maintained even after adjusting for sociodemographic variables such as age, sex, and severity score of symptoms and signs.Conclusion:Lipid layer thickness of the tear film is a sensitive marker in monitoring response to treatment in patients with MGD. The use of physiological detergent-free eyelid wipes is non-inferior to lid hygiene and warm compresses, which remains the mainstay for treatment of MGD; the clinical improvement with eyelid wipes was noted to be better.     

【In Press】Cinical efficacy of combined topical 0.05% cyclosporin A and 0.1% sodium hyaluronate in the dry eyes with meibomian gland dysfunction

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of combined topical 0.05% cyclosporin A (CsA, Restasis®, Allergan pharmaceuticals, USA) and 0.1% sodium hyaluronate treatment in dry eyes with meibomian gland dysfunction. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, 53 patients (106 eyes) with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) were enrolled and performed lid warm massage for 10min daily and be instilled preservative free sodium hyaluronate 0.1% eye drops 4 times daily. Patients were divided into subjects treated with topical 0.05% cyclosporine A and preservative free sodium hyaluronate vehicle (CsA group, n=74 eyes) and subjects treated with the preservative free sodium hyaluronate vehicle (control group, n=32 eyes). They were evaluated at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3mo for subjective symptoms and objective signs including tear break-up time, schirmer test, corneal staining score, lid margin telangiectasia, meibomian gland secretion, and conjunctival injection. RESULTS: In the short-term treatment, CsA group showed a statistically significant improvement in the ocular surface disease index (P<0.001), tear film break-up time (P=0.004), schirmer test score (P=0.008) and lid margin telangiectasia (P=0.021) by repeated measure ANOVA. Additionally, mean changes from baseline in ocular surface disease index (P<0.001), tear film breakup time (P=0.001), schirmer test score (P=0.029), corneal staining score (P=0.047), eyelid margin telangiectasia (P=0.002), conjunctival injection (P=0.030) were improved better in CsA group than in the control group at 3mo. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in meibomian gland secretion (P=0.67). CONCLUSIONS: In dry eyes with meibomian gland dysfunction, 0.05% cyclosporin A improves the tear film stability as well as subjective ocular discomfort, and is effective in controlling lid margin inflammation.     

Ocular rosacea in childhood

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical characteristics and treatment response of ocular rosacea in the pediatric population. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: The clinic charts of consecutive pediatric cases of ocular rosacea were evaluated over a 34-month period. Minimal diagnostic inclusion criteria were the presence of posterior eyelid inflammation including meibomian gland inspissation and lid margin telangiectasis, in conjunction with conjunctival injection or episcleritis. RESULTS: Six patients ranged from 3 to 12 years of age at presentation. All shared a long history of ocular irritation and photophobia. Five patients (83%) were female and had bilateral involvement. Eyelid telangiectases and meibomian gland disease were present in all cases. Three patients (50%) had sterile corneal ulcers. Only two patients (33%) had cutaneous involvement at the time of diagnosis. All patients experienced significant improvement with a combination of oral antibiotics (doxycycline or erythromycin), with or without topical antibiotics (erythromycin or bacitracin) or topical steroids (fluorometholone). CONCLUSION: Ocular rosacea in children may be misdiagnosed as viral or bacterial infections. Unlike in adults, associated cutaneous changes are uncommon. Most disease is bilateral, although involvement may be asymmetric. Response to conventional treatment is excellent, although long-term treatment may be necessary to prevent relapses.     

睑板腺功能障碍患者白内障术后眼表状况

目的：分析睑板腺功能障碍患者白内障手术后眼表状况的改变。方法：前瞻性研究。收集2015年1月至2017年1月期间就诊于上海市浦东医院眼科并接受白内障超声乳化摘除术联合人工晶状体植入术的睑板腺功能障碍患者67例（83眼）,评价术前及术后1、2、3个月的眼表症状指数评分（OSDI）、裂隙灯显微镜下睑缘形态评分、角膜荧光素染色评分（CFS）、泪膜破裂时间（BUT）、基础泪液分泌试验（SⅠT）以及光学相关断层扫描技术计算下泪河高度（TMH）、下泪河深度（TMD）和下泪河面积（TMA）。采用重复测量的方差分析进行统计学处理。结果：术后1、2、3个月的OSDI较术前显著恶化（F=1193.031,P<0.001）,BUT显著下降（F=21.042,P<0.001）;而睑缘形态评分、CFS、TMH、TMD、TMA和SⅠT在术后没有显著改变。结论：睑板腺功能障碍患者白内障术后在不伴有明显器质性改变的情况下就可能出现眼表症状的进一步加重。     

热敷按摩改善睑板腺功能障碍患者的白内障术后疗效

目的：评价白内障术前进行眼睑热敷联合睑板腺按摩对白内障合并轻中度睑板腺功能障碍（MGD） 患者白内障术后临床效果的改善。方法：前瞻性临床研究。收集2019年9月至2020年6月于温州医科大学附属眼视光医院杭州院区就诊的50～85岁轻中度MGD合并白内障的患者,按随机数字表法分为实验组和对照组,实验组先接受3次眼睑热敷联合睑板腺按摩治疗再行白内障手术,对照组直接行白内障手术。分别记录MGD治疗前、治疗后以及白内障术后1周、1个月、3个月时的泪液分泌试验（SⅠT）、泪膜破裂时间（TBUT）、角结膜染色评分、睑板腺功能评分;眼表综合分析仪（keratograph 5M）检查并记录非侵入性泪河高度（NITMH）、非侵入性泪膜破裂时间（NITBUT）和睑板腺缺失范围（MGL）;采用眼表疾病指数（OSDI）问卷得分进行评估。使用广义估算方程（GEE）、广义线性混合模型（GLMM）、独立样本t检验及Mann-Whitney U检验进行数据分析。结果：共纳入77例（77眼）, 最终纳入分析68例（68眼）,每组34例。实验组在MGD治疗后,睑缘形态、睑板腺排出能力、SⅠT、 TBUT及OSDI评分较MGD治疗前明显好转（P<0.05）;角膜点染在白内障术后1周时较治疗前增加 （P=0.002）,至术后1个月时恢复至治疗前水平。组间比较发现,实验组睑脂质量变化量在白内障术后各时间点均明显优于对照组（P<0.05）;白内障术后1周时,实验组睑缘形态的变化量小于对照组, 术后1个月时,NITMH变化量小于对照组,而OSDI评分变化量大于对照组（P<0.05）,实验组症状及体征更轻;对照组在白内障术后1周时,睑缘形态及SⅠT明显变差,至术后1个月时恢复至术前水平; 睑脂质量在术后1周时变差,NITMH在术后1个月时减少,二者至术后3个月时恢复至术前水平。结论： 白内障术前采用眼睑热敷联合睑板腺按摩治疗MGD,可改善术后睑板腺功能状态,缓解干眼症状。     

Relationship between eyelid margin irregularity and meibomian gland dropout

PurposeTo examine the relationship between lid margin abnormalities and meibomian gland loss in infrared meibography.MethodsThis 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.ResultsIn 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.ConclusionsLid margin abnormalities were found to be associated with meibomian gland dropout.     

The prevalence of ocular signs in acne rosacea: comparing patients from ophthalmology and dermatology clinics

PURPOSE: To describe and compare the ocular signs in patients diagnosed with acne rosacea by the ophthalmologist with the ocular signs in the patients diagnosed with rosacea by the dermatologist. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 176 randomly selected patients diagnosed with rosacea at the University of California, Davis, Medical Center: 88 patients each from the Department of Dermatology and the Department of Ophthalmology. Of the 88 patients diagnosed with acne rosacea by a dermatologist, 22 (25%) had an ophthalmologic evaluation done prior to the study. In those patients without an ophthalmologic assessment, ocular complaints noted by the dermatologist were recorded. We recorded ocular signs including lid, conjunctival, corneal, episcleral, and scleral manifestations as well as charted observations of the iris, lens, intraocular pressures (IOPs), best corrected visual acuity (VA), and funduscopic examination. Age and sex were recorded from the initial ophthalmologic evaluation. The analysis was designed to compare the prevalence of signs and symptoms in two clinical settings. RESULTS: The prevalence of documented meibomian gland dysfunction (p < 0.001), telangiectasia (p = 0.004), and anterior blepharitis (p = 0.008) was significantly higher in ophthalmology patients when compared with dermatology patients. Of the conjunctival signs evaluated, only the presence of interpalpebral conjunctival hyperemia (p = 0.005) was found to be significantly higher in ophthalmology patients. The corneal, episcleral, scleral, and lens findings did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference between groups. CONCLUSION: The major and most easily observable ocular problems in rosacea patients presenting either to ophthalmology or dermatology are lid disease-related manifestations. As might be expected, eye signs and symptoms are more commonly noted in the eye clinic. A clinician's increased awareness of the common ocular findings of rosacea, however, may aid in earlier diagnosis and treatment of ocular rosacea.     

Treatment of ocular rosacea:comparative study of topical cyclosporine and oral doxycycline

AIM:To compare the effectiveness of topical cyclosporine A emulsion with that of oral doxycycline for rosacea associated ocular changes and dry eye complaints.METHODS:One hundred and ten patients with rosacea were screened. Thirty-eight patients having rosacea associated eyelid and ocular surface changes and dry eye complaints were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups:nineteen patients were given topical cyclosporine twice daily and nineteen patients were given oral doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for the first month and once daily for the following two months. Symptom and sign scores, ocular surface disease index questionnarie and tear function tests were evaluated at baseline and monthly for 3mo. Three months after results were compared with that of baseline.RESULTS:Mean values of symptom, eyelid sign and corneal/conjunctival sign scores of each treatment group at baseline and 3mo after treatments were compared and both drugs were found to be effective on rosacea associated ocular changes (P<0.001). Cyclosporine was more effective in symptomatic relief and in the treatment of eyelid signs (P=0.01). There was statistically significant increase in the mean Schirmer score with anesthesia and tear break up time scores in the cyclosporine treatment group compared to the doxycycline treatment group (P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Cyclosporine as a topical drug can be used in the treatment of rosacea associated ocular complications because it is more effective than doxycycline. In addition ocular rosacea as a chronic disease requires long term treatment and doxycycline has various side effects limiting its long term usage.     

Efficacy of commercially available topical cyclosporine A 0.05% in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of topical cyclosporine A 0.05% (tCsA) (Restasis, Allergan Pharmaceuticals) in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (posterior blepharitis). METHODS: Thirty-three patients with symptomatic meibomian gland dysfunction were randomized in a prospective study to either tCsA or placebo (Refresh Plus preservative-free artificial tears), 2 times daily for 3 months. They were evaluated at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 months for subjective symptoms and objective signs including meibomian gland inclusions, lid margin vascular injection, tarsal telangiectasis, fluorescein staining, tear breakup time, and Schirmer scores. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients completed the study. All patients were tested for ocular symptoms, lid margin vascularity, tarsal telangiectasis, meibomian gland inclusions, tear breakup time, and fluorescein staining. At the 3-month visit, the tCsA group showed a greater improvement in ocular symptoms than the placebo group, but this difference was not statistically significant. At the 3-month visit, several objective examination findings were statistically significantly (P < 0.05) improved in the tCsA group compared with the placebo group. These differences included lid margin vascular injection, tarsal telangiectasis, and fluorescein staining. The most significant finding (P = 0.001) was the greater decrease in the number of meibomian gland inclusions in the tCsA group compared with the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Topical CsA may be helpful in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (posterior blepharitis). Topical CsA did not induce an improvement in the symptoms, but it did decrease the number of meibomian gland inclusions in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction.     

强脉冲光缓解蒸发过强型干眼症的机制探究

干眼症(dry eye disease,DED)与近眼睑处的皮肤炎症性疾病(如眼红斑痤疮等)存在密切联系。目前,强脉冲光(intense pulsed light, IPL)是红斑痤疮的主要治疗手段之一。近期研究发现睑板腺功能障碍(meibomian gland dysfunction, MGD)患者在接受IPL治疗时干眼的症状和体征有所缓解,但其具体机制尚未明确。本文综述IPL缓解干眼的可能机制,并讨论其合理性。     

Emerging strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction: Proceedings of the OCEAN group meeting

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common and chronic disorder that has a significant adverse impact on patients' quality of life. It is a leading cause of evaporative dry eye disease (DED), as meibomian glands play an important role in providing lipids to the tear film, which helps to retard the evaporation of tears from the ocular surface. MGD is also often present in conjunction with primary aqueous-deficient DED. Obstructive MGD, the most commonly observed type of MGD, is the main focus of this article. MGD is probably caused by a combination of separate conditions: primary obstructive hyperkeratinization of the meibomian gland, abnormal meibomian gland secretion, eyelid inflammation, corneal inflammation and damage, microbiological changes, and DED. Furthermore, skin diseases such as rosacea may play a part in its pathology. Accurate diagnosis is challenging, as it is difficult to differentiate between ocular surface diseases, but is crucial when choosing treatment options. Ocular imaging has advanced in recent years, providing ophthalmologists with a better understanding of ocular diseases. This review presents a literature update on the 2011 MGD workshop and an optimized approach to accurate diagnosis of MGD using currently available methods and tests. It also outlines the emerging technologies of interferometry, non-contact meibography, keratography and in vivo confocal laser microscopy, which offer exciting possibilities for the future. Selected treatment options for MGD are also discussed.     

Evaluation of an Automated Thermodynamic Treatment (LipiFlow®) System for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Prospective,Randomized, Observer-Masked Trial

PurposeTo compare the effectiveness of a single LipiFlow^® treatment with combined lid warming and massage in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, crossover, observer-masked clinical trial, subjects were randomized to receive either a single 12-min LipiFlow-LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation (LTP) system treatment or to perform combined twice-daily lid warming and massage for 3 months. All subjects were examined before, and 1 and 3 months after initiation of treatments. Investigated parameters included subjective symptoms, lipid layer thickness, meibomian gland assessment, tear break-up time, tear osmolarity, corneal and conjunctival staining, Schirmer test values, and tear meniscus height.ResultsA total of 31 subjects completed the 3-month follow-up. At 1 and 3 months, patients in the LipiFlow treatment group had a significant reduction in Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores compared with those in the lid-margin hygiene group. Both treatments produced a significant improvement in expressible meibomian glands compared to the baseline parameters, but no significant difference was noted between the two groups. The other investigated objective parameters did not show a significant difference.ConclusionResults of our study show that a single LipiFlow treatment is as least as effective as a 3-month, twice-daily lid margin hygiene regimen for MGD. However, the present study was observer-masked only, and therefore a placebo effect may have confounded any improvements in subjective symptoms and other parameters in both groups.     

抗炎治疗睑板腺功能障碍的临床研究

目的探讨抗炎治疗在睑板腺功能障碍患者中的作用,比较抗炎药物1g·L-1氟米龙滴眼液和双氯芬酸钠滴眼液的抗炎作用。方法将48例(96眼)在我院门诊诊断为睑板腺功能障碍患者,随机分为3组(每组各16例32眼),对照组单纯使用人工泪液+抗生素滴眼液+睑板腺局部物理治疗,激素治疗组和非甾体抗炎药物治疗组则在对照组治疗的基础上分别加用1g·L-1氟米龙滴眼液、双氯芬酸钠滴眼液治疗1个月,分别在治疗前、治疗后1周、1个月进行症状评分、视力、裂隙灯检查(睑缘评分等)、泪膜破裂时间检测、角膜荧光素染色检查、泪液分泌试验检查以及眼压检测;并做对比分析。结果 (1)治疗前采用完全随机设计的单因素方差分析进行两两比较,各组间差异均无统计学意义(均为P>0.05);(2)3组症状评分、泪膜破裂时间、角膜荧光素染色评分、泪液分泌试验、睑缘评分治疗前与治疗后1周、1个月分别行配对t检验,差异均有统计学意义(均为P<0.05),提示3种治疗均有效;(3)治疗后1周及1个月:抗炎药物组(激素治疗组和非甾体抗炎药物治疗组)与对照组相比:症状评分和睑缘评分差异均有统计学意义(均为P<0.05),且以上各项指标均值抗炎药物治疗组优于对照组;激素治疗组与非甾体抗炎药物治疗组相比:症状评分、泪膜破裂时间和睑缘评分差异均有统计学意义(均为P<0.05),且以上各项指标均值前者优于后者。结论抗炎治疗对睑板腺功能障碍有效,皮质类固醇激素可以显著改善睑板腺功能障碍患者的症状和体征,抗炎效果优于非甾体抗炎药物。     

Exploring the Asian ethnic predisposition to dry eye disease in a pediatric population

Purpose

To investigate the differences in ocular surface characteristics, tear film parameters, and dry eye symptomology between co-located pediatric populations of Asian and Caucasian ethnicity.

年龄相关性白内障患者睑板腺与眼表状况分析

背景 睑板腺是位于上下睑板内一种特殊分化的皮脂腺,其形态学和功能学的严重改变与多种眼表疾病有关,研究睑板腺形态学和功能变化与干眼的关系具有重要的临床意义. 目的 观察年龄相关性白内障患者的睑板腺形态、结构及功能变化,探讨衰老与睑板腺功能障碍(MGD)及眼表健康状态的关系.方法 采用系列病例观察研究方法,选取2016年3-9月在山西省眼科医院就诊的45岁以上年龄相关性白内障患者93例93眼作为研究对象,按照年龄将患者分为45～ 59岁组和≥60岁组;按照睑板腺缺失范围将受检眼分为睑板腺缺失范围≥1/3组和睑板腺缺失范围＜1/3组.采用裂隙灯显微镜检查眼表组织、睑缘形态、睑板腺开口形态和睑脂性状;采用眼表疾病指数(OSDI)量表问卷对眼表症状进行调查和评分;采用眼表综合分析仪测定受检眼泪膜破裂时间(BUT)、泪河高度、睑板腺缺失、结膜充血及角膜荧光素染色情况.结果 93例受检者均无干眼主观症状,OSDI问卷评分均＜12分.裂隙灯显微镜检查受检眼均未发现睑缘及皮肤黏膜交界线的形态学变化,无睑板腺开口、睑脂排出及睑脂性状的异常.眼表综合分析仪检查发现,42眼BUT缩短,占45.16％;52眼泪河高度下降,占55.91％;58眼睑板腺缺失范围≥1/3,占62.27％.45 ～59岁组受检眼睑板腺缺失评分为1.65±0.79,≥60岁组为1.86±0.72,差异无统计学意义(t=1.301,P=0.197).但相关分析示年龄与睑板腺缺失评分呈弱正相关(r5=0.323,P=0.002),与BUT及泪河高度均无明显相关性(r=0.154,P=0.141;r =-0.024,P=0.821);睑板腺缺失评分与BUT呈负相关(r3=-0.251,P=0.015),睑板腺缺失范围≥1/3组BUT异常的发生眼数明显多于缺失范围＜1/3组,差异有统计学意义(P=0.018). 结论 中老年人随着年龄的增长,睑板腺缺失逐渐加重;睑板腺缺失范围较大者发生泪膜不稳定的风险增加;早期MGD患者体征先于症状出现,临床工作中应重视无症状的MGD患者.     

Is complete androgen insensitivity syndrome associated with alterations in the meibomian gland and ocular surface?

PURPOSE: This study's purpose was to determine whether complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) is associated with alterations in the meibomian gland and ocular surface. METHODS: Individuals with CAIS, as well as age-matched female and male controls, completed questionnaires which assessed dry eye symptoms and underwent slit lamp evaluations of the tear film, tear meniscus, lids and lid margins and conjunctiva. The quality of meibomian gland secretions was also analyzed. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that CAIS is associated with meibomian gland alterations and a significant increase in dry eye signs and symptoms. Clinical assessment revealed that CAIS women, as compared to controls, had a significant increase in telangiectasia, keratinization, lid erythema and orifice metaplasia of the meibomian glands, and a significant decrease in the tear meniscus and quality of meibomian gland secretions. Questionnaire results showed that dry eye symptoms were increased over twofold in CAIS individuals, as compared to controls, including a significant increase in the sensations of dryness, pain and light sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that androgen insensitivity may promote meibomian gland dysfunction and an increase in the signs and symptoms of dry eye.     

Ocular surface changes in moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris

AIM: To investigate ocular surface disorders and tear function changes in patients with acne vulgaris and explore the potential relationship between acne vulgaris and dry eye. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included right eyes of 53 patients with acne vulgaris and 54 healthy controls. The participants completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. The following ocular surface-related parameters were measured: tear meniscus height (TMH), noninvasive tear breakup time (NIBUT), Schirmer I test (SIT), lipid layer thickness (LLT) score of the tear film, meibum score, meibomian gland orifice obstruction score, the ratio of meibomian gland loss, conjunctival hyperemia score, and corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) score. RESULTS: The stability of the tear film decreased in acne vulgaris patients. In the acne group, the TMH and NIBUT were lower, whereas the OSDI, meibum score, meibomian gland orifice obstruction score, ratio of meibomian gland loss, and conjunctival hyperemia score were higher compared with controls (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the CFS score, SIT, or LLT score between the groups (P>0.05). In two dry eye groups, the TMH, NIBUT, and LLT score were lower in the acne with dry eye (acne-DE) group, and the meibum score, meibomian gland orifice obstruction score, ratio of meibomian gland loss and conjunctival hyperemia score in the acne-DE group were higher (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between OSDI, SIT, and CFS score (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris are more likely to experience dry eye than those without acne vulgaris. Reduced tear film stability and meibomian gland structure dysfunction are more pronounced in patients with moderate-to-severe acne and dry eye.     

Ageing and the natural history of dry eye disease: A prospective registry-based cross-sectional study

PurposeTo investigate the impact of ageing on ocular surface parameters, and empirically determine optimal prognostic cut-off ages for clinical markers of dry eye disease, aqueous tear deficiency, and meibomian gland dysfunction.MethodsA total of 1331 community residents (785 females, 546 males; mean ± SD age, 38 ± 19 years) were recruited in a prospective registry-based cross-sectional study. Dry eye symptomology, ocular surface characteristics, and tear film quality were evaluated for each participant within a single clinical session, in accordance with the global consensus recommendations of the TFOS DEWS II reports.ResultsMultivariate regression analysis demonstrated positive associations between ageing and clinical markers of dry eye disease (all p ≤ 0.001). The Youden-optimal prognostic cut-off ages for signs of meibomian gland dysfunction occurred during the third decade of life (24–29 years); the optimal predictive ages for lid wiper epitheliopathy, tear film instability, hyperosmolarity, and dry eye symptoms occurred during the fourth decade of life (31–38 years); while the optimal prognostic thresholds for signs of aqueous tear deficiency and ocular surface staining occurred in the fifth and sixth decades of life (46–52 years).ConclusionsAdvancing age is a significant risk factor for dry eye disease, which represents a growing public health concern with the ageing population worldwide. Signs of meibomian gland dysfunction appeared earlier in the natural history of disease progression, and the brief delay prior to the development of other clinical dry eye signs might represent a window of opportunity for preventative interventions in the young adult age group.     

Ocular manifestations in moderate-to-severe psoriasis in India: A prospective observational study

Purpose:Ocular manifestations in psoriasis are due to direct eye involvement with psoriatic plaques or psoriasis-related, immune-mediated inflammatory processes. The commonly reported pathologies are blepharitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, dry eyes, and uveitis. Limited data is available on the ocular findings in psoriasis patients in India. In this study, we evaluated various ocular changes associated with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.Methods:In this prospective cohort study, treatment-naive psoriasis patients with Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score of more than 10 were included. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, Schirmer’s score, tear film breakup time (TBUT), corneal and conjunctival staining score, and meibomian gland dysfunction score were noted. All these parameters were re-evaluated at 8 weeks of follow-up after systemic treatment.Results:Sixty-eight patients were enrolled in the study. The most common ocular pathologies observed in this study were tarsal hyperemia and anterior blepharitis in 128 (94.1%) and 64 (47%) eyes, respectively. Mild, moderate, and severe dry eyes were seen in 26 (19.1%), 14 (10.2%), and 34 (25%) eyes, respectively. Thirty-nine (57.3%) patients complained of significant difficulty watching television or digital screen. In 21 patients evaluated on follow-up at 8 weeks, cornea and conjunctiva’s ocular surface staining score increased and TBUT decreased significantly.Conclusion:The most common ocular pathologies observed in this study were anterior blepharitis and moderate dry eye, which significantly affected most patients’ daily routines. Screening patients with greater severity of psoriasis would help in early management of such problems.