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Published on: April 1, 2019
A Pilot Study of the Effects of Swimming Goggles on Meibomian Glands
Melinda Thomas De Jesus1, Jerry R Paugh, Corina van de Pol
1Department of Basic and Visual Science (M.T.D.J., J.R.P., C.P., A.S., W.R.R.), Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University, Fullerton, CA; LensGen (M.T.D.J.), Irvine, CA; Department of Mathematics (A.L.N.), California State University Fullerton, California.
Objectives:
This study evaluated whether swimming goggle wear contributes to meibomian gland (MG) atrophy or functional change.
Methods:
Subjects included minimal goggle wear experience (normal subjects) and maximal goggle wear experience (competitive swimmers). Principal outcome measures were meiboscore and percent MG area remaining percent gland area remaining [PGAR]). Clinical tests included symptoms, tear meniscus height, lipid layer thickness, fluorescein tear breakup time, corneal and conjunctival staining, lower lid margin signs, gland secretion quality, Schirmer I, and meibography.
Results:
Forty-two age-matched, and sex-matched subjects completed the study (25 normal subjects and 17 goggle-wearing swimmers). Tear breakup time was significantly shorter in goggle wearers (P=0.016, Mann-Whitney U). Differences in meibography, symptoms, and other clinical dry eye workup parameters were not statistically significant (all P values >0.05). Regression analysis indicated that sex, tear breakup time, and meiboscore statistically impacted PGAR.
Conclusions:
There was no apparent difference in MG morphology and function between goggle-wearing swimmers and nongoggle-wearing control subjects in this study sample. Although swimming goggles have been documented as having adverse effects on the periorbital tissues, mechanical forces from long-term swimming goggle wear may not impact MG morphology or function. The tarsal plate likely plays a protective role for the MGs from external mechanical friction from swimming goggles.
