Analysis of the Differences in Ocular Surface Damage and Inflammatory Signs between Healthy and Evaporative Dry Eye Participants

ABSTRACT

Objective

Distinguish between EDE severity levels by analysing the MGLA, conjunctival hyperemia and corneal staining.

Methods

One hundred participants were recruited based on OSDI, TO, TFBUT, TMH, and LLP to be categorised as healthy (Group 1) or EDE (Group 2). Group 2 was divided into Group 2A (mild symptoms), 2B (moderate), and 2C (severe). MGLA, conjunctival hyperemia, and corneal staining were measured.

Results

 Positive correlation between MGLA, conjunctival hyperemia, and corneal staining were found (all r ≥ 0.221, p ≤ 0.027). Significant differences were found: MGLA between Group 1 vs. 2C and 2C vs. 2A or 2B; conjunctival hyperemia between Group 1 vs. 2A, 2B or 2C; corneal staining between Group 1 vs. 2B or 2C and 2A vs. 2B or 2C (all p ≤ 0.049).  

Conclusion

Severe EDE participants have higher MGLA, conjunctival hyperemia, and corneal staining values than healthy, mild, or moderate EDE participants.

KEYWORDS:

• Conjunctival hyperemia
• corneal staining
• evaporative dry eye
• meibography
• meibomian gland loss are

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

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