A Pilot Study of the Effects of Swimming Goggles on Meibomian Glands.

Abstract

This study evaluated whether swimming goggle wear contributes to meibomian gland (MG) atrophy or functional change. Subjects included minimal goggle wear experience (normal subjects) and maximal goggle wear experience (competitive swimmers). Principal outcome measures were meiboscore and percent MG area remaining percent gland area remaining [PGAR]). Clinical tests included symptoms, tear meniscus height, lipid layer thickness, fluorescein tear breakup time, corneal and conjunctival staining, lower lid margin signs, gland secretion quality, Schirmer I, and meibography. Forty-two age-matched, and sex-matched subjects completed the study (25 normal subjects and 17 goggle-wearing swimmers). Tear breakup time was significantly shorter in goggle wearers (P=0.016, Mann-Whitney U). Differences in meibography, symptoms, and other clinical dry eye workup parameters were not statistically significant (all P values >0.05). Regression analysis indicated that sex, tear breakup time, and meiboscore statistically impacted PGAR. There was no apparent difference in MG morphology and function between goggle-wearing swimmers and nongoggle-wearing control subjects in this study sample. Although swimming goggles have been documented as having adverse effects on the periorbital tissues, mechanical forces from long-term swimming goggle wear may not impact MG morphology or function. The tarsal plate likely plays a protective role for the MGs from external mechanical friction from swimming goggles.