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Giant papillary conjunctivitis and meibomian gland dysfunction blepharitis.
N F Martin1, R S Rubinfeld, J D Malley
1Department of Ophthalmology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC.
Summary
Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) is linked to meibomian gland dysfunction blepharitis. Treating this eyelid condition improved GPC in most contact lens wearers, suggesting a causal role.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Ocular Surface Disease
Background:
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) is an inflammatory condition of the eyelid conjunctiva.
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) blepharitis is a common ocular surface disease affecting the eyelid glands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between meibomian gland dysfunction blepharitis and giant papillary conjunctivitis.
- To evaluate the impact of treating MGD blepharitis on GPC symptoms in contact lens wearers.
Main Methods:
- Prospective pilot study of 42 consecutive GPC patients (80 eyes).
- Assessment of meibomian gland dysfunction blepharitis severity at presentation.
- Contact lens refitting after MGD blepharitis treatment for 32 patients (63 eyes).
Main Results:
- All GPC patients exhibited some degree of MGD blepharitis.
- GPC severity correlated with MGD blepharitis severity (Kendall's tau b = 0.246).
- 87% (55 eyes) of refit patients maintained GPC improvement after a mean follow-up of 21 months.
Conclusions:
- Meibomian gland dysfunction blepharitis may contribute to the pathogenesis of giant papillary conjunctivitis.
- Treatment of MGD blepharitis can lead to sustained GPC improvement in contact lens wearers.
- Further large-scale, controlled studies are warranted to confirm this association.