Abstract
Purpose :
The purpose of this study was to compare the histology of scurf, cylindrical dandruff and eyelash debris in patients with blepharitis vs. controls.
Methods :
This was a prospective, controlled, single center study. The study included 15 subjects total, 10 with clinical signs of severe blepharitis and 5 controls without blepharitis. Characterization of the severity of blepharitis was documented by clinical evaluation and testing parameters including, tear break-up time, Schirmer’s 1, meibography, lissamine green staining, and OSDI questionnaire score. Two targeted eyelashes with scurf, cylindrical dandruff, and debris at the lash base were removed from the right and left upper lids of each subject. The eyelashes underwent histological analysis. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy are planned.
Results :
Fluorescence imaging with SYTOX green showed mammalian nuclei at the base of the eyelash (Figure 1) and bacterial DNA on the shaft of the eyelash (Figure 2). Fluorescence imaging with Hoescht’s Dye showed staining patterns consistent with biofilm matrix (shed DNA, dead cells) on the shaft of the eyelash (Figure 2).
Conclusions :
This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first image depicting biofilm on eyelashes. When patients evidence scurf, cylindrical dandruff, and eyelash debris, these are residuals, at least in part, of bacterial matter and represent a primordial biofilm.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.