Abstract
Purpose :
Meibomian gland (MG) imaging is becoming an increasingly integral part of dry eye diagnosis and management in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to assess how regional grades might differ from global grades when quantifying the severity of abnormal meibomian gland morphology.
Methods :
Twenty infrared meibomian gland images (ten upper lids and ten lower lids) of varying morphology from three commercial meibographers (Lipiview 2, Keratograph 5M, Meibox) were evaluated by three masked observers. Observers graded the MG images for atrophy, tortuosity, and segmentation, referencing ordinal whole integer panels for the entire eyelid and also in three regional zones: nasally, centrally, and temporally. Any differences in grading were reconciled via discussion. Paired t-tests were performed.
Results :
For MG atrophy, the global grade was different than the nasal (p=.005) and central (p=.005) but similar to temporal (p=.649). For MG tortuosity, the global grade was different than nasal (p=.004), central (p=.042), and temporal (p=.005). Lastly for MG segmentation, the global grade was different than nasal (p=.028), central (p=.030), and temporal (p=.008).
Conclusions :
There are significant differences in masked meibography grading between regional zones and global grades. Regional differences in MG morphology compared to global grades necessitates further understanding of the pathophysiology of MG disease.
This is a 2020 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.