Abstract

THE ASSOCIATION OF MEIBOMIAN GLAND DYSFUNCTION WITH DYSLIPIDEMIA -A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Dr. Jasmine Mary Jacob*, Dr. Simi Shivkumar Pillai, Dr Sheldon J Goudinho

Abstract

Aim - To determine the association between the presence of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and the individual components of the blood lipid profile. Materials and Methods - This study was conducted on patients in the age group of 40 to 70 years, who visited the ophthalmology OPD at Dr SMCSI MCH, Karakonam, with complaints of dry eye. A detailed history using a standard questionnaire was taken and a clinical examination was performed to diagnose dry eye. Tear film tests and lid margin examination to detect MGD were done. Following examination, patients were allotted into two groups – patients with MGD (cases) and patients without MGD (controls). A fasting lipid profile was done for both these groups. Results - This study demonstrates a significant association between MGD and Dyslipidemia. There is a significant correlation between total cholesterol level and MGD, with a CI of 4.149 to 40.751 and a p-value of 0.01. This study also found a correlation between LDL and MGD with CI of 43.059 to 64.468 and a p-value of 0.0001. Conclusion - It may be surmised, on the basis of the findings in this study, that Dyslipidemia is at least one of the major causes for MGD. The ophthalmologist can be alert to suspect Dyslipidemia in MGD patients. Studies with larger populations are needed to prove whether this association is indeed causal. Treatment aimed at correcting Dyslipidemia may also improve the clinical features of MGD.

Keywords: dry eye, Dyslipidemia, cholesterol, meibomian gland dysfunction.