Correlation between tear film lipid layer thickness and Meibomian gland dropout
Malihe Nikandish1 *
- Associated Professor of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology department, Razi Hospital, Birjand University of Medical sciences, Birjand, Iran
Abstract: To evaluate the correlations between lipid layer thickness (LLT) and meibomian gland (MG) dropout in patients with Symptoms attributed to dry eye
Methods: Fifty-nine patients (118 eyes) were included in this descriptive-analytical study. All patients completed an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. Then, tear breakup time (TBUT), SM Tube test, MG expression scale, MG dropout grade by non-contact Meibography, and LLT measurement using interferometer were performed for all subjects. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS26 by Pearson test in significant level 0.05.
Results: The correlation between LLT and MG dropout was calculated -0.13 (p=0.14). MG dropout and TBUT, MG expression and TBUT, as well as MG dropout and tear volume had significant positive correlation: 0.19 (p=0.04), 0.355 (p<0.001), and 0.25 (p=0.007), respectively. However, the correlation between MG dropout and expression was not significant (r=-0.19; p=0.83).
Conclusion: This study showed no significant relationship between the degree of MG dropout and LLT. As the glandular atrophy increases, significantly the tear volume and TBUT increases, and as the glandular expression increases, TBUT becomes significantly longer.
