Association between meibomian gland changes and aging, sex, or tear function

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Gerontology
• Anatomy

Background:

• The aging process can affect ocular structures, including the eyelids and meibomian glands.
• Understanding these age-related changes is crucial for diagnosing and managing various ocular surface conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate age- and sex-related alterations in the lid margin and meibomian glands.
• To determine the association between these anatomical changes and tear function in asymptomatic individuals.

Main Methods:

• Slit-lamp biomicroscopy assessed lid margin anatomy.
• Meibography and meibum expression evaluated meibomian gland morphology and function.
• Schirmer test, tear film break-up time, and fluorescein staining assessed tear function and ocular surface health.

Main Results:

• Aging was significantly associated with abnormal lid margin anatomy, reduced meibum secretion, and meibomian gland dropout.
• Elderly men (≥70 years) exhibited a higher incidence of abnormal lid margins and gland dropout compared to women.
• No significant association was found between lid margin/meibomian gland changes and tear function in individuals aged 40 and above.

Conclusions:

• Lid margin and meibomian gland changes are closely linked to aging in symptom-free subjects.
• Anatomical lid margin and meibomian gland alterations are more prevalent in elderly men than women.
• Tear function did not show a significant association with observed lid margin or meibomian gland changes.