Abstract
Purpose: :
To take a retrospective look at the efficacy of a new invasive approach to treat obstructive MGD.
Methods: :
A patent pending method and disposable instrument with stainless steel tip were used to perform intraductal probing of 25 consecutive patients with obstructive MGD to provide relief from symptomatic obstructed meibomian glands.
Results: :
20 of 25 patients complained of pre-treatment lid tenderness or soreness which was immediately relieved. At one month post procedure each (100%) of these 20 patients continued to have decreased tenderness or soreness. These 20 patients also made the following post treatment unsolicited comments: 40% (8) noted increased lubrication, 25% (5) noted less friction or improved lid blinking comfort, 15% (3) noted a decrease need for artificial tears, 10% (2) noted decreased light sensitivity, and 10% (2) noted increased vision. The remaining 5 patients had non specific complaints but all had lid margin congestion. These 5 patients made the following post treatment unsolicited comments: 40% (2) noted increased lubrication, 40% (2) noted decreased gumminess and filminess, 20% (1) noted increased vision,20% (1) noted decreased lid heaviness, and 20% (1) noted decreased light sensitivity. One additional patient with localized mature hordeolum was treated without relief. There were no complications. Additional findings suggest intraductal neovascular and fibrotic bands as additional factors in obstruction.
Conclusions: :
Intraductal meibomian gland probing appears highly effective in quickly relieving inflammatory symptoms of obstructive MGD. We are now using intraductal cannula to lavage with pharmaceuticals.
Keywords: cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye