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Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a leading cause of dry eye disease and one of the most common ophthalmic conditions encountered in eye clinics worldwide. These holocrine glands are situated in the eyelid, where they produce specialized lipids, or meibum, needed to lubricate the eye surface and slow tear film evaporation - functions which are critical to preserving high-resolution vision. MGD results in tear instability, rapid tear evaporation, changes in local microflora, and dry eye disease, amongst other pathological entities. While studies identifying the mechanisms of MGD have generally focused on gland obstruction, we now know that age is a major risk factor for MGD that is associated with abnormal cell differentiation and renewal. It is also now appreciated that immune-inflammatory disorders, such as certain autoimmune diseases and atopy, may trigger MGD, as demonstrated through a T cell-driven neutrophil response. Here, we independently discuss the underlying roles of gland and immune related factors in MGD, as well as the integration of these two distinct mechanisms into a unified perspective that may aid future studies. From this unique standpoint, we propose a revised model in which glandular dysfunction and immunopathogenic pathways are not primary versus secondary contributors in MGD, but are fluid, interactive, and dynamic, which we likened to the Yin and Yang of MGD.

Introduction: Low‐level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, the application of red light to the eye, is used for the treatment of dry eye. Limited studies have investigated the efficacy of LLLT as a stand‐alone treatment. The investigation aimed to evaluate the effect of LLLT on signs and symptoms of dry eye. Methods: Participants with mild to moderate dry eye were recruited for this three‐visit study. Visits were 7 (±3) days apart and all participants received 633 nm LLLT (eye‐light®) for 15 min at each visit. Clinical measures including first and average non‐invasive keratograph tear break‐up time (NIKBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), meibomian gland (MG) loss for upper and lower eyelids, ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score, tear film lipid layer thickness, meibum quality score, Schirmer's test, corneal fluorescein staining and eyelid temperature for external upper (EUL) and external lower (ELL) eyelids were measured from the right eye of participants before and after treatment. Results: Thirty participants (mean [SD] age: 31.1 [9.5] years) completed the study. Treatment with LLLT resulted in significant differences in first and average NIKBUT, TMH, tear film lipid layer thickness, OSDI score, Schirmer's test, meibum quality score and eyelid temperature over time (all p < 0.05). Compared to baseline, TMH, tear film lipid layer thickness and eyelid temperature significantly increased by 0.06 mm (95% CI: 0.01–0.11), 12.9 nm (95% CI: 1.18–24.55), and 7.0°C, respectively, for both EUL (95% CI: 6.17–7.84) and ELL (95% CI: 6.17–7.73). The respective decrease in the OSDI score and Schirmer's test was 10.2 (95% CI: −15.15 to −5.26) and 4.4 mm (95% CI: −7.31 to −1.42; all p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in corneal fluorescein staining and MG loss after LLLT. Conclusion: Low‐level light therapy treatment significantly improved signs and symptoms of dry eye in the early phases of treatment, suggesting its efficacy for dry eye management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of this study was to illustrate the changes in ocular findings, meibography, and tear break-up time (TBUT) values in pediatric patients with ocular rosacea following a standardized treatment. Methods: The study included consecutive patients diagnosed with ocular rosacea, referred to a tertiary hospital between 2021 and 2023. Each patient underwent biomicroscopic examinations, non-invasive TBUT assessments, corneal fluorescein staining (evaluated using the Oxford scoring system), and meibography. The standard treatment protocol involved warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, preservative-free sodium hyaluronate eye drops (administered four times daily), topical azithromycin 1.5% (twice daily for 3 days), topical steroids (loteprednol 0.5%, four times daily for 2 weeks), and either doxycycline 100 mg/day for 14 days or oral suspension of azithromycin 10 mg/kg for 3 days followed by an additional three-day course of treatment administered 10 days later (for patients above and below 14 years of age, respectively). Results: The study included 18 patients, with 10 (55.5%) being female and 8 (44.4%) being male, with a mean age of 9.7 ± 4.5 years (range: 3–18). Four patients displayed cutaneous involvement. The treatments resulted in significant improvements in the Oxford scores, reduction in corneal neovascularization, and increased TBUT (p < 0.001, p = 0.016, p < 0.001, respectively). Meibomian gland loss area also significantly improved post-treatment (27.4 ± 6.7% vs 39.2 ± 13.4%, p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that pediatric ocular rosacea patients may exhibit improved meibomian gland function, regression of corneal neovascularization, and enhanced tear film parameters following a standardized treatment protocol that includes both topical and systemic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most common causes of blindness on a global scale is glaucoma. There is a strong association between glaucoma and increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Because of this, adequate IOP‐lowering is the most important treatment strategy, mostly through topical eyedrops. Well‐functioning meibomian glands are paramount for maintaining a stable tear film, and their dysfunction is the most common cause of dry eye disease. There is a growing concern that both topical glaucoma medications themselves and their added preservatives damage the meibomian glands, and consequently, the ocular surface. Preserved topical glaucoma medications appear to cause dysfunction and atrophy of the meibomian glands. Upon comparison, preserved formulations caused more symptoms of dry eye, tear film instability, inflammatory changes and meibomian gland dropout than the preservative‐free counterpart. However, although seemingly less detrimental, unpreserved alternatives may diminish glandular efficacy, and, depending on the active ingredient, lead to glandular death. This negatively impacts quality of life, adherence to treatment regimens and prognosis. In this review, we explore the available evidence regarding the effects of IOP‐lowering eye drops on the meibomian glands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light combined with meibomian gland expression (IPL-MGX) for treating meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) associated with chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD). Methods: This retrospective study included 18 patients (18 eyes) with Fitzpatrick skin type ≤ IV, who underwent 3 to 8 sessions of IPL-MGX. Dry eye symptomology, ocular surface parameters, and adverse events were evaluated. Results: Of 18 eyes, 83.3% and 66.7% showed severe oGVHD and severe MGD, respectively. At 4 weeks after the final session, significant improvements in the OSDI (P < 0.001), SPEED (P = 0.001), meibum expressibility (P < 0.001), and meibum quality (P = 0.016) were observed. At 12 weeks after, the OSDI (P = 0.009), SPEED (P = 0.002), and meibum expressibility (P = 0.008) significantly improved. No adverse events owing to IPL were reported. Conclusion: IPL-MGX may improve the ocular symptoms, ameliorate meibomian gland secretion, and is considered as a safe treatment for MGD in oGVHD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To evaluate the long-term effects of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy on patients with dry eye disease (DED) associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Methods: A retrospective case series was performed with 110 participants undergoing IPL therapy. Assessments included the eye fitness test (EFT) to gauge subjective symptoms, along with objective measures using the Tearcheck® device (ESW Vision, Houdan, France) noninvasive first breakup time (NIFBUT), noninvasive average breakup time (NIABUT), central tear meniscus height (CTMH), thinnest tear meniscus height (TTMH), and ocular surface inflammatory risk evaluation (OSIE) assessed using the SCHWIND SIRIUS device (SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions GmbH, Kleinostheim, Germany). Results: This study documented significant improvements in subjective and objective symptoms associated with DED and MGD. Subjective symptoms measured by the EFT showed an average increase of 9.74 points (range −10 to 28, standard deviation [SD] ± 7.54), indicating reduced symptoms. Objective measures of tear film stability, represented by NIABUT, increased by an average of 4.04 s (range −15.00 to 14.40, SD ± 4.91). Tear film stability evaluation (TFSE) scores decreased by 229.12 points on average (range −1775 to 528, SD ± 384.94), suggesting enhanced tear film stability. OSIE type 1 showed a reduction in inflammation, with a percentage decrease of 4.98% (range −45 to 5, SD ± 7.33). Additionally, OSIE capture time decreased by 3.25 s on average (range −27 to 22, SD ± 10.35), further indicating an improvement in ocular surface health. Conclusion: IPL therapy was shown to be a promising, noninvasive approach for improving quality of life in patients with DED by effectively managing symptoms and stabilizing tear film. The findings support the use of IPL as a sustainable treatment modality for DED associated with MGD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the safety and efficacy of the dry eye intelligent therapeutic device in rabbits with meibomian gland dysfunction. Methods: The meibomian gland dysfunction-afflicted rabbits were subjected to treatment using the dry eye intelligent therapeutic device. Various parameters, including eyelid margin, meibomian gland opening, redness, meibomian gland area, keratoconjunctival fluorescence staining, and intraocular pressure, were examined and analyzed using an ocular surface comprehensive examination instrument, slit lamp, and tonometer at corresponding times points. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to examine the mucosal epithelium and meibomian gland. Results: In this study, eyelid margin congestion and meibomian gland opening obstruction were significantly improved after 3 weeks and 4 weeks of treatment, respectively (p <.01, p <.05). The treatment group showed a significant increase in tear meniscus height after 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 4 weeks of treatment (p <.001, p <.01, p <.05). No significant changes were noted in meibomian gland area, redness, intraocular pressure, and keratoconjunctival fluorescence staining of rabbits before and after treatment. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed a complete structure of mucosal epithelium and meibomian gland in the treatment group and that the expansion of the blocked meibomian gland duct was reduced. Conclusion: The utilization of the dry eye intelligent therapeutic device in treating meibomian gland dysfunction-afflicted rabbits exhibits potential promising safety, efficacy, and overall benefits, thereby offering a novel alternative for managing meibomian gland dysfunction patients in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare two types of lipid expression procedures to treat dry eye disease. Standardized treatment and evaluation methods were used in patients treated with either manual thermoelectric lipid expression (MiBoFlo) or automated lipid expression (Lipiflow) of the Meibomian glands. This was a contemporaneous, non-randomized study of both treatment methods. Treatment was per the manufacturers’ recommendation. The primary outcome included two types of dry eye questionnaires as well as objective analysis of ocular surface including tear break up time, Schirmer testing, Osmolarity, and fluorescein staining. Baseline characteristics analyzed included floppy lid, conjunctivochalasis and lagophthalmos. Statistical analysis was performed correcting for baseline factors such as age and co existing pathology using multivariable analysis. Both treatments improved the results of the OSDI and SPEED dry eye questionnaire results. Both treatments resulted in improvement of many objective findings including SPK, lissamine green staining and tear break up time with the MiBoFlo showing more improvement than Lipiflow. OSDI was more sensitive to improvement of symptoms than the SPEED questionnaire. Manual expression with MiBoFlo device resulted in statistically more improvement in questionnaire scores than did automated expression with Lipiflow. Negative prognostic factors for symptomatic improvement included blepharitis, autoimmune disease and ocular allergies. Thermal lid therapy along with mechanical expression of lipids from the meibomian glands successfully treats dry eye symptoms and signs. Manual therapy with MiBoFlo resulted in more subjective and objective improvement scores than automated therapy with the Lipiflow device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to compare meibomian gland (MG) dropout and MG dysfunction (MGD) between patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) with moderate–severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and patients with no diabetes (NDM). This prospective, transversal, age, and gender-matched case–control study included 98 DM and 106 NDM eyes. Dry eye disease (DED) and MGD evaluations were performed, including meibography (Keratograph 5M®). The objective MG dropout percentage was obtained by analyzing meibography images with ImageJ software (v. 1.52o, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA) and was subsequently graded with Arita's meiboscore. The DM duration was 18 ± 9 years. The mean meiboscore (3.8 ± 0.8 vs. 3.4 ± 1.0, p = 0.001), meiboscore severity (p = 0.016), and MG dropout (45.1 ± 0.1% vs. 39.0 ± 0.4%, p < 0.001) were greater in DM than in NDM. All patients showed MG dropout (meiboscore > 1). Lower eyelids showed greater MG dropout in both groups. A correlation with age (r = 0.178, p = 0.014) and no correlations with DM duration or gender (p > 0.005) were observed. Patients with diabetes showed greater corneal staining (1.7 ± 1.3 vs. 0.9 ± 1.1; p < 0.001), reduced corneal sensitivity (5.4 ± 1.1 vs. 5.9 ± 0.4; p < 0.001), lower MG expressibility (3. 9 ± 1.6 vs. 4.4 ± 2.1; p = 0.017), and worse meibum quality (1.9 ± 0.8 vs. 1.7 ± 0.5; p = 0.019). Tear breakup time, osmolarity, MMP-9, Schirmer, and the Ocular Surface Disease Index showed no significant differences. In conclusion, patients with DM with NPDR have greater MG dropout and meiboscore, as well as more severe MGD and DED parameters than persons with NDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Despite promising results from technological therapies like intense pulsed light application, warm compress therapy is a mainstay in meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). However, applying warm compresses (WC) to the eyelids is palliative rather than curative and not always dispensed with specific instructions. The range of eyelid warming treatments available and lack of clear directives for use creates uncertainty for patients accustomed to explicit dosage information. This report examines data from clinical studies across the past 20 years to identify effective protocols for three types of WC—hot towel, microwavable eye mask, and self-heating eye mask (EM). Method: Literature search for studies on WC and MGD published between 2004 and 2023 in English was conducted. Studies wherein hot towel, microwavable EM, and self-heating EM were used in a treatment arm were included and those wherein they served only as control or were used in conjunction with another intervention were excluded. 20 resulting studies were separated into 3 groups: 5 on temperature profiles of WC, 6 with single application of WC, and 9 with repeated applications. Study methods and outcomes were tabulated, and a qualitative review was performed, attending to WC protocol and efficacy, as indicated by measures of tear film, meibomian gland health, and dry eye questionnaires. Results: Data from the aforementioned studies revealed that each method can achieve target eyelid temperature of 40 °C. A single application of WC—ranging from 5 to 20 min—can significantly improve tear quality, while repeated applications significantly relieve symptoms associated with dry eyes from MGD and, in most studies, significantly improve meibomian gland health. Hot towels, however, require frequent reheating to maintain eyelid temperatures above 40 °C, rendering them relatively ineffective in longitudinal studies. Microwavable EM retain heat well across 10 min and were found to improve tear break-up time and/or meibomian gland score. Self-heating EM have variable activation times and were typically applied for longer periods, showing benefits akin to microwavable EM in short-term studies. Studies monitoring compliance indicate greater deviation from protocol with higher application frequencies or longer-term use. Evidence suggests superior heat retention and therapeutic effects on specific contributing factors in MGD (such as Demodex) with moist–heat compress. Conclusion: Considering decreased patience adherence to therapy with increased usage frequencies, and balancing needs to provide succinct instructions for various compress types, an advisable strategy is for patients to apply a moist–heat generating EM (microwavable or self-heating) to each eye for at least 10 min, prepared according to manufacturer's instructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To investigate the effect of intense pulsed light(IPL)combined with meibomian gland massage in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)related dry eye.METHODS: Retrospectively selected 300 cases(300 right eyes)that diagnosed as MGD-related dry eye and treated in our hospital from October 2021 to October 2023, and they were divided into two groups according to the treatment modalities: 150 cases(150 eyes)in the control group were treated with meibomian gland massage, and 150 cases(150 eyes)in the observation group were treated with combined IPL. The efficacy of the two groups was compared, as well as the changes in tear film stability indexes [tear film break-up time(BUT), Schirmer I test(SIT)], ocular surface disease index(OSDI)scores, tear film lipid layer thickness(LLT), mean objective scattering index(OSI), and the levels of inflammatory factors in the tear fluid [interleukin-10(IL-10)and IL-6].RESULTS: There was a difference in efficacy between the two groups of patients after treatment(88% vs 74%, P=0.002). At 8 wk after treatment, OSDI score, OSI, and tear IL-6 levels decreased, while BUT, SIt, LLT, and tear IL-10 levels increased in the two groups, and the observation group was better than the control group(all P

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of lacrimal duct laser dacryoplasty combined with intubation and postoperative meibomian gland treatment in patients with chronic dacryocystitis complicated by meibomian gland dysfunction.METHODS: Data were collected from 128 patients with chronic dacryocystitis complicated by meibomian gland dysfunction treated at Xi'an No.1 Hospital from March 2021 to December 2022. All patients underwent lacrimal duct laser dacryoplasty combined with intubation. Postoperatively, those patients were randomly divided into two groups: group A(64 cases, without meibomian gland treatment)and group B(64 cases, with meibomian gland treatment). The lacrimal intubation was removed at 3 mo after surgery to evaluate the patency rate of lacrimal irrigation. Additionally, changes in the ocular surface disease index(OSDI)score, non-invasive tear film break-up time, tear meniscus height, conjunctival hyperemia analysis, meibomian gland analysis, tear lipid layer thickness, tear ferning test, and conjunctival impression cytology were compared between the two groups.RESULTS: The lacrimal irrigation patency rates in the group A and group B were 78.1% and 81.2% respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05); compared with the group A, group B showed a significant extension in non-invasive tear breakup time at 3 mo after surgery, and the OSDI score, conjunctival hyperemia analysis, tear ferning test and conjunctival impression cytology grading were all significantly decreased(all P0.05).CONCLUSION: Comprehensive treatment for patients with chronic dacryocystitis combined with meibomian gland dysfunction have improved patients' comfort, tear film stability, and reduces local inflammatory response. It is important to simultaneously address ocular surface microenvironment abnormalities during surgical treatment to achieve satisfactory efficacy.

Yilin Feng,1 Nandini Venkateswaran,1 Amanda Steele,2 Eric D Rosenberg,3 Preeya K Gupta2,4 1Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; 2Triangle Eye Consultants, Raleigh, NC, USA; 3Department of Ophthalmology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA; 4Department of Ophthalmology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USACorrespondence: Preeya K Gupta, Email preeyakgupta@gmail.comPurpose: To evaluate the impact of TearCare (TC) treatment on clinical, quality of life, and functional visual outcome metrics in patients with dry eye disease (DED) and meibomian gland disease (MGD).Methods: This is a prospective, single-center clinical trial. Adults with MGD and a DED diagnosis and tear break-up time (TBUT) < 10 seconds were included. All subjects had at least 20/40 vision and no surgery or new treatment for DED within 60 days prior to enrollment. All patients had one baseline visit prior to undergoing TC and one follow-up visit 1 month after TC. At each visit, the meibomian gland secretion score (MGSS), TBUT, and corneal fluorescein staining (KFL) were assessed. DED symptoms were evaluated using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (VFQ-25), and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Reading speed was determined through the International Reading Speed Texts (IReST), Minnesota Low Vision Reading Test (MNREAD), and Wilkins Rate of Reading Test (WRRT).Results: Thirty-two subjects were included. The average age was 55.9 years. Sixteen (52%) participants had a clinically significant improvement in reading speed after treatment with TC, defined as > 10 words per minute increase in their IReST score. Improvement on the IReST and the MNREAD reached statistical significance (p = 0.012 and p = 0.028, respectively). OSDI scores significantly decreased and VFQ-25 scores significantly increased after TC treatment (p < 0.001). All of the clinical exam parameters showed statistically significant improvements after treatment (p < 0.001).Conclusion: TC is an effective treatment both clinically and with respect to visual function. Patients who had TC exhibited improvements in quality of life and improved reading speed after a single treatment. This treatment should be frequently considered and utilized to reduce the disease burden of DED related to MGD.Keywords: thermal pulsation, tearcare, meibomian gland dysfunction, dry eye disease, reading speed

Abstract To compare two types of lipid expression procedures to treat dry eye disease. Standardized treatment and evaluation methods were used in patients treated with either manual thermoelectric lipid expression (MiBoFlo) or automated lipid expression (Lipiflow) of the Meibomian glands. This was a contemporaneous, non-randomized study of both treatment methods. Treatment was per the manufacturers’ recommendation. The primary outcome included two types of dry eye questionnaires as well as objective analysis of ocular surface including tear break up time, Schirmer testing, Osmolarity, and fluorescein staining. Baseline characteristics analyzed included floppy lid, conjunctivochalasis and lagophthalmos. Statistical analysis was performed correcting for baseline factors such as age and co existing pathology using multivariable analysis. Both treatments improved the results of the OSDI and SPEED dry eye questionnaire results. Both treatments resulted in improvement of many objective findings including SPK, lissamine green staining and tear break up time with the MiBoFlo showing more improvement than Lipiflow. OSDI was more sensitive to improvement of symptoms than the SPEED questionnaire. Manual expression with MiBoFlo device resulted in statistically more improvement in questionnaire scores than did automated expression with Lipiflow. Negative prognostic factors for symptomatic improvement included blepharitis, autoimmune disease and ocular allergies. Thermal lid therapy along with mechanical expression of lipids from the meibomian glands successfully treats dry eye symptoms and signs. Manual therapy with MiBoFlo resulted in more subjective and objective improvement scores than automated therapy with the Lipiflow device.

Background Refractory meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a prevalent condition characterized by chronic functional abnormalities of the meibomian glands, leading to altered tear film and ocular discomfort despite medical treatments. Traditional management strategies include various single-modality treatments, although there is growing interest in the efficacy of combined therapies. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of regimens used individually and in combination for the treatment of refractory MGD. Methods This retrospective study involved pre- and posttreatment evaluations of the ocular surface and symptoms in patients with refractory MGD. Treatments included meibomian gland probing (MGP), intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, thermal pulsation (LipiFlow), IPL + MGP, and MGP + LipiFlow. Results In total, 325 eyes of 241 patients with refractory MGD were assessed. The MGP group showed significant improvements in the ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear meniscus height (TMH), corneal and conjunctival staining, lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE), and meibomian gland expression (MGX) score. The IPL group showed significant improvements in OSDI, TMH, redness, conjunctival staining, and MGX score. IPL + MGP resulted in significant improvements in corneal and conjunctival staining, LWE, and MGX score, while LipiFlow significantly improved conjunctival staining, LWE, and MGX score. No significant improvements were observed in the MGP + LipiFlow group. Conclusion IPL or MGP alone could alleviate the signs and symptoms of refractory MGD, while LipiFlow and IPL + MGP could improve the ocular surface parameters. However, no significant improvements were observed with MGP + LipiFlow. These findings provide a valuable guide for ophthalmologists for the selection of effective treatment modalities for refractory MGD, suggesting a potential advantage of combined IPL + MGP to maximize therapeutic benefits.

Purpose: To develop a simple, subjective, and reliable grading scale for isotretinoin-induced meibography changes. Methods: After analyzing meibography images obtained from systemic isotretinoin users, a grading scale was proposed and named “meibography health score.” The score ranged from 1 to 3, with decreasing gland reflectivity and identifiable margins. A total of 11 medical professionals were asked to grade 10 meibography images obtained from isotretinoin users using the proposed scale and were divided into three groups: (A) ophthalmologists with experience with meibography, (B) ophthalmologists with no experience with meibography, and (C) radiologists. The kappa statistic was determined to test interrater reliability. Results: The overall kappa was approximately 0.64. The kappa scores for Groups A, B, and C were 0.78, 0.59, and 0.90, respectively. Grade 2 had the lowest kappa scores (0.62, 0.35, and 0.82 for A, B, and C, respectively) and grade 3 the highest (0.78, 0.90, and 1.0 for A, B and C, respectively). Furthermore, Group C had the highest kappa scores and Group B the lowest. Conclusion: The meibography health score exhibited good interrater reliability, particularly in severe cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sebaceous adenitis (SA) is an immune‐mediated disease targeting the sebaceous glands. Meibomian gland dysfunction is a disease affecting meibomian glands with inflammatory features. Sebaceous and meibomian glands share anatomical, physiological and embryological similarities. The involvement of meibomian glands in dogs with SA is currently unknown. Objectives: To evaluate meibomian glands in dogs affected by SA and compare them with healthy dogs. Animals: Eighteen dogs were enrolled. Nine dogs with SA were retrospectively identified from clinical records and represented the case group. Nine healthy, breed‐ and age‐matched dogs were prospectively enrolled in the control group. Materials and Methods: Both groups underwent dermatological examination, Schirmer tear test‐1 (STT‐1), tear meniscus height (TMH), slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, interferometry (INT) and noncontact infrared meibography (NIM). Results: One third of SA dogs presented subepithelial crystalline opacities. No significant difference between groups was observed in TMH (p = 0.944) and STT‐1 values (p = 0.066). INT (p = 0.016) and NIM grades (p = 0.010) were significantly higher and lower in the SA group compared to the control group, respectively. INT values decreased with age (η = 0.930), while NIM scores (η = 0.935) increased. Conclusions: Clinical Relevance: Subepithelial crystalline opacities in SA dogs might reflect a reduced tear film quality. In the absence of standardised methods, INT and NIM proved to be noninvasive and useful methods to examine meibomian glands. Dogs with SA showed a thinner lacrimal lipid layer and more severe meibomian gland abnormalities than control dogs, which seemed to progress with age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction To evaluate the long-term effects of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy on patients with dry eye disease (DED) associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Methods A retrospective case series was performed with 110 participants undergoing IPL therapy. Assessments included the eye fitness test (EFT) to gauge subjective symptoms, along with objective measures using the Tearcheck® device (ESW Vision, Houdan, France) noninvasive first breakup time (NIFBUT), noninvasive average breakup time (NIABUT), central tear meniscus height (CTMH), thinnest tear meniscus height (TTMH), and ocular surface inflammatory risk evaluation (OSIE) assessed using the SCHWIND SIRIUS device (SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions GmbH, Kleinostheim, Germany). Results This study documented significant improvements in subjective and objective symptoms associated with DED and MGD. Subjective symptoms measured by the EFT showed an average increase of 9.74 points (range −10 to 28, standard deviation [SD] ± 7.54), indicating reduced symptoms. Objective measures of tear film stability, represented by NIABUT, increased by an average of 4.04 s (range −15.00 to 14.40, SD ± 4.91). Tear film stability evaluation (TFSE) scores decreased by 229.12 points on average (range −1775 to 528, SD ± 384.94), suggesting enhanced tear film stability. OSIE type 1 showed a reduction in inflammation, with a percentage decrease of 4.98% (range −45 to 5, SD ± 7.33). Additionally, OSIE capture time decreased by 3.25 s on average (range −27 to 22, SD ± 10.35), further indicating an improvement in ocular surface health. Conclusion IPL therapy was shown to be a promising, noninvasive approach for improving quality of life in patients with DED by effectively managing symptoms and stabilizing tear film. The findings support the use of IPL as a sustainable treatment modality for DED associated with MGD.

Abstract Background Warm compresses are the routine treatment for Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in daily life, but in order to achieve satisfactory efficacy, the treatment needs to be sustained over a long time, which can have an impact on the patient compliance. A more convenient warm compresses will help improve the patient compliance. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of the disposable eyelid warming masks for treatment of dry eye disease (DED) due to MGD. Methods This was a randomized, controlled, non-masked, two-center clinical trial. One hundred and forty-four patients were treated by the masks or the hot towel twice daily for 12 weeks. Patients were evaluated at baseline, 4-week and 12-week visits for subjective symptoms, objective signs and safety assessments, including ocular symptom scores, ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear break-up time (BUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), Schirmer I test (SIT), meibum quality, meibum expressibility, and adverse events (AEs). Results A totle of 134 patients were followed in the study. The mean age of the masks group (14 males and 52 females) and the hot towel group (20 males and 48 females) was 43.7 ± 13.5 years and 39.5 ± 13.9 years, respectively. At 4-week visit, there were significant statistical differences in ocular symptom scores, OSDI and CFS between two groups (P

AIM:To establish a model of meibomian gland dysfunction in rats induced by eyeliner tattoo and investigate its potential mechanisms.METHODS:A total of 40 SD rats were selected, with 30 randomly chosen to have eyeliner tattoo applied their right eyes and designated as the eyeliner group. The remaining 10 rats were not given any treatment and served as the normal group. The corneal morphology of both groups was observed using a slit lamp at 1, 2, and 4 wk after establishment, and the tear film break-up time(BUT), Schirmer I test(SIt), corneal fluorescein staining score, and corneal irregularity score were calculated. The corneal Placido rings were examined using an ocular surface analyzer, and the corneal tissue structures of both groups were observed under a confocal microscope. After 4 wk and completion of clinical indicator recording, the eyeballs and upper and lower eyelid tissues were taken for pathological examination. The meibomian gland structures were observed through HE staining, the conjunctival goblet cells were observed using PAS staining, and the lipid droplets were observed with ORO staining.RESULTS:The slit lamp examination results showed that the eyeliner group rats exhibited in situ black pigmentation in the eyelids, with no eyelid deformation or scarring. The corneal epithelium was rough, with positive fluorescein staining, presenting as spotty staining that worsened over time. Compared with the normal group, the BUT was significantly shortened, tear secretion volume was significantly decreased, and the corneal fluorescein staining score and corneal irregularity score were significantly increased at 1, 2, and 4 wk after modeling in the eyeliner group(all P

Abstract Aim Despite promising results from technological therapies like intense pulsed light application, warm compress therapy is a mainstay in meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). However, applying warm compresses (WC) to the eyelids is palliative rather than curative and not always dispensed with specific instructions. The range of eyelid warming treatments available and lack of clear directives for use creates uncertainty for patients accustomed to explicit dosage information. This report examines data from clinical studies across the past 20 years to identify effective protocols for three types of WC—hot towel, microwavable eye mask, and self-heating eye mask (EM). Method Literature search for studies on WC and MGD published between 2004 and 2023 in English was conducted. Studies wherein hot towel, microwavable EM, and self-heating EM were used in a treatment arm were included and those wherein they served only as control or were used in conjunction with another intervention were excluded. 20 resulting studies were separated into 3 groups: 5 on temperature profiles of WC, 6 with single application of WC, and 9 with repeated applications. Study methods and outcomes were tabulated, and a qualitative review was performed, attending to WC protocol and efficacy, as indicated by measures of tear film, meibomian gland health, and dry eye questionnaires. Results Data from the aforementioned studies revealed that each method can achieve target eyelid temperature of 40 °C. A single application of WC—ranging from 5 to 20 min—can significantly improve tear quality, while repeated applications significantly relieve symptoms associated with dry eyes from MGD and, in most studies, significantly improve meibomian gland health. Hot towels, however, require frequent reheating to maintain eyelid temperatures above 40 °C, rendering them relatively ineffective in longitudinal studies. Microwavable EM retain heat well across 10 min and were found to improve tear break-up time and/or meibomian gland score. Self-heating EM have variable activation times and were typically applied for longer periods, showing benefits akin to microwavable EM in short-term studies. Studies monitoring compliance indicate greater deviation from protocol with higher application frequencies or longer-term use. Evidence suggests superior heat retention and therapeutic effects on specific contributing factors in MGD (such as Demodex) with moist–heat compress. Conclusion Considering decreased patience adherence to therapy with increased usage frequencies, and balancing needs to provide succinct instructions for various compress types, an advisable strategy is for patients to apply a moist–heat generating EM (microwavable or self-heating) to each eye for at least 10 min, prepared according to manufacturer’s instructions.