Effect of oral linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid on meibomian gland dysfunction

To assess the effect of oral linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid, 2 omega-6 essential fatty acids, on meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Fifty-seven patients with MGD (27 men and 30 women) were randomly divided into 3 groups of 19. Group A received tablets containing linoleic acid (28.5 mg) and gamma-linolenic acid (15 mg) once daily. Group B performed eyelid hygiene once daily. Group C received both treatments. Initially and after 60 and 180 days of therapy, all patients completed a self-evaluation questionnaire on ocular surface disorders and underwent slit-lamp examination. The following signs were evaluated: eyelid edema, eyelid margin hyperemia, meibomian secretion appearance, meibomian gland obstruction, foam collection in the tear meniscus, conjunctival hyperemia, conjunctival papillae, and corneal staining.

Statistically significant improvement in symptoms occurred in all groups. After 180-day therapy, group A showed significant reduction in secretion turbidity (P = 0.02) and meibomian gland obstruction (P = 0.0001), whereas group B had significant reduction in eyelid edema (P = 0.02), corneal staining (P = 0.01), secretion turbidity (P = 0.01), and meibomian gland obstruction (P = 0.0001). Group C had significant reduction in eyelid edema (P = 0.003), foam collection in the tear meniscus (P = 0.02), corneal staining (P = 0.02), secretion turbidity (P = 0.0001), and meibomian gland obstruction (P = 0.0001).

Therapy with linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid tablets along with eyelid hygiene improves symptoms and reduces eyelid margin inflammation in MGD more than either omega-6 fatty acids or eyelid hygiene alone.