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 fi lm and meibomian gland morphology of a non-obvious MGD patient (lid margin, meibomian gland orifi ces 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 fi lm, ocular signs and symptoms improved signifi cantly 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.