Influence of cataract surgery on Meibomian gland dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Ocular Surface Disease
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common cause of evaporative dry eye.
• Cataract surgery, a prevalent ophthalmic procedure, may impact the ocular surface.
• Understanding the effect of cataract surgery on MGD is crucial for managing postoperative patient comfort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of cataract surgery on Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
• To assess the impact on postoperative functional symptoms and ocular surface parameters.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 30 patients undergoing cataract surgery.
• Preoperative and 1- and 3-month postoperative assessments included clinical evaluations (OSDI, TBUT, staining, gland expression) and paraclinical measures (Meibomian gland loss [MGL] via meibography, hyperemia, NIK-BUT).

Main Results:

• Tear break-up time (TBUT) and Meibomian gland expressibility significantly worsened postoperatively.
• Meibomian gland loss (MGL) increased, particularly in the upper eyelid, persisting up to 3 months.
• Preoperative upper eyelid MGL correlated with higher postoperative ocular discomfort scores (OSDI).

Conclusions:

• Cataract surgery is associated with increased Meibomian gland loss and reduced expressibility.
• Persistent alterations in MGD and TBUT suggest an obstructive role of cataract surgery.
• Upper eyelid MGL is linked to early postoperative ocular discomfort, highlighting the need for MGD management in cataract patients.