Abstract | SIGNIFICANCE: PURPOSE: METHODS: Forty subjects were divided into two groups based on the severity of meibomian gland plugging and expressibility and secondarily based on its atrophy. Dry eye and allergy questionnaires; slit-lamp examination, including lid telangiectasia; and meibography were performed. Tear lactoferrin concentration was measured using TearScan 270 MicroAssay. Impression cytology was performed on the upper palpebral conjunctiva, and goblet cell density and epithelial squamous metaplasia were quantified. RESULTS: Twenty-two subjects with meibomian gland dysfunction were categorized into severely obstructed group (case), whereas 19 subjects had minimal/no obstruction (comparison). Lower lactoferrin (1.3 ± 0.4 vs. 1.7 ± 0.4 mg/mL, P = .007), greater dry eye (7 [1 to 10] vs. 2 [0 to 5], P = .03), and allergy symptoms (9 [4 to 23] vs. 6 [0 to 9], P = .05) were found in the cases compared with the comparisons. There were no differences in conjunctival cell morphology between groups. The plugging score was correlated with lactoferrin concentration (ρ = -0.43, P = .006), dry eye (ρ = 0.36, P = .02), and allergic symptoms (ρ = 0.33, P = .04). Greater lid margin telangiectasia was associated with meibomian gland obstruction, but not atrophy. CONCLUSIONS: Meibomian gland activity/dysfunction, but not atrophy, may be associated with increased inflammation on the ocular surface. The inflammation may be sufficient to reduce tear lactoferrin production from damage to accessory lacrimal glands and/or meibomian gland and result in increased symptoms.
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Authors | Cecilia Chao, Louis Tong |
Journal | Optometry and vision science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry
(Optom Vis Sci)
Vol. 95
Issue 10
Pg. 930-936
(10 2018)
ISSN: 1538-9235 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 30234832
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Eye Proteins
- LTF protein, human
- tear proteins
- Lactoferrin
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Blepharitis
(diagnosis, metabolism)
- Conjunctiva
(pathology)
- Conjunctivitis, Allergic
(diagnosis, metabolism)
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Dry Eye Syndromes
(metabolism)
- Eye Proteins
(metabolism)
- Eyelid Diseases
(metabolism)
- Female
- Goblet Cells
(pathology)
- Humans
- Lactoferrin
(metabolism)
- Male
- Meibomian Glands
(metabolism)
- Middle Aged
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Tears
(metabolism)
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