Abstract
Purpose :
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is mostly characterized by the qualitative/quantitative changes in meibum, thus resulting in alteration of the tear film and subjective symptoms. In this study, we examined meibum lipid composition and objective ocular findings, and then analyzed the relationship of those data with subjective symptoms.
Methods :
This study involved healthy subjects (6 males and 6 females; age range: 20-35 years and 50-79 years) and MGD patients (4 males and 6 females; age range: 50-79 years). Meibum samples were carefully collected, and then immediately stored at -80°C. The meibum samples were then analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The results were then analyzed using JMP ver. 13 (SAS Institute Japan) statistical analysis software. In addition, we assessed the subjective symptoms, the tear-film stability by use of an interferometer (DR-1®; Kowa), and the meibomian gland (MG) orifice obstruction as well as the meibum property by slit-lamp examination.
Results :
Our findings showed that with aging and MGD, there was a significant decrease in wax esters and cholesterol esters, as well as a significant increase in triglycerides, cholesterol, and fatty acids in total lipids (Tukey-Kramer Honestly Significant Difference test: p < 0.05). These results were well-correlated with subjective symptoms, such as “subjective visual quality” (ρ = 0.5-0.6, Spearman's rank correlation test: p < 0.05). The subjective symptom “eyestrain” was found to be well-correlated with tear film stability (ρ = 0.38), MG orifice obstruction (ρ = 0.47), and meibum properties (ρ = 0.46) (Spearman's rank correlation test: p < 0.05).
Conclusions :
The alteration of the quality and/or quantity of meibum due to aging and MGD, including the changes in the proportion of polar and nonpolar lipids in the meibum, may affect the subjective symptoms.
This is a 2020 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.