Journal of Optometry (Jan 2012)
Non‐contact meibography in diagnosis and treatment of non‐obvious meibomian gland dysfunction
Abstract
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the most common cause of dry eye and is recommended to be treated by warm and moist compresses followed by lid massage and lid scrub. This case report describes changes of ocular sign, tear film and meibomian gland morphology of a non‐obvious MGD patient (lid margin, meibomian gland orifices and ocular signs appeared to be normal) undergoing MGD treatment. Without gland expression and/or meibography this form of MGD would have been overseen. Tear film, ocular signs and symptoms improved significantly after treatment. Expressibility of glands was improved with treatment although the MGD accompanying loss of meibomian glands —evaluated by non‐contact meibography— was unchanged. Loss of meibomian glands might either be irreversible or would need more extended treatment.
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