Evaluation of the Tear Meniscus Using Optical Coherence Tomography in Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

ABSTRACT

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate tear meniscus parameters in meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) using optical coherence tomography and ImageJ software.

Methods

We enrolled 66 eyes of 66 participants and measured tear meniscus parameters, including height, depth, turbidity, and percentage area occupied by particles (PAOP) in the meniscus in the MGD and control groups.

Results

Tear meniscus turbidity and PAOP were significantly higher in the MGD group, but tear meniscus height (TMH) and depth (TMD) did not differ significantly between groups. Tear meniscus turbidity and PAOP were positively correlated with each other and ocular surface parameters, including OSDI and ocular surface staining scores.

Conclusion

Tear meniscus turbidity and PAOP were higher in the MGD group than in the control group; therefore, they can be used as significant non-invasive parameters in the prediction of MGD. TMH and TMD did not differ significantly between groups.

KEYWORDS:

• Meibomian gland dysfunction
• optic coherence tomography
• tear meniscus
• turbidity

Authorship contributions

Involved in design and conduct of the study (LD, GDA); preparation and review of the study (LD, GDA); and data collection (LD).

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Statement of ethics

Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Van Training and Research Hospital (approval number: 2021/10). The study adhered to the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki, and written informed consent was obtained from all patients (or their guardians) to participate in the study.

Data availability

The data used to support the findings of this study are included in this article.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.