Eyelid Changes Related to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Early Middle-Aged Patients Using Topical Glaucoma Medications

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between topical glaucoma medications and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in early middle-aged patients with glaucoma.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 50 patients with glaucoma younger than 50 years who had used topical glaucoma medications for more than 6 months and 40 normal controls of similar age were included. Patients in each group were graded for MGD (0–4) using slit-lamp microscopy. Tear film breakup time (BUT), ocular surface staining, and Marx line scores were also evaluated. Differences between both groups were analyzed statistically.

Results: The prevalence of MGD was 82% in the group using topical glaucoma medications and 52.5% in the control group. The average period of topical glaucoma medication use was 27.4 months. There were significant differences in the breakup time and Marx line score according to the presence of MGD. Although the duration of topical glaucoma medication use and the severity of MGD did not show a significant correlation, the degree of MGD and the Marx line score were significantly correlated.

Conclusions: Glaucoma eye drops may be one factor affecting the eyelid changes associated with MGD. The Marx line score may be used as an index to evaluate MGD in patients with glaucoma.