Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2025
05:00
Intense Pulsed Light for the Treatment of Dry Eye Owing to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Published on: April 1, 2019
15.1K
Exploring Signs and Symptoms Associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction for Use as Clinical Trial Endpoints.
Layla Ajouz1, Ashley Nguyen1, Cathy Zhao1
1Allergan, an AbbVie company, Irvine, California, USA.
Summary
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) correlates with dry eye symptoms. The maximum meibum quality score (MMQS) reliably measures MGD severity and symptoms, potentially serving as a key endpoint in clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Clinical Research
- Dry Eye Disease
Background:
- Dry eye disease (DED) stems from reduced tear production or evaporative DED.
- Evaporative DED is often linked to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify clinical study endpoints for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Main Methods:
- A 22-day, non-interventional, case-control study with 75 participants across three MGD severity cohorts.
- Assessed ocular symptoms via questionnaire and signs including maximum meibum quality score (MMQS), tear breakup time, and Schirmer tear tests.
Main Results:
- Maximum meibum quality score (MMQS) increased with MGD severity, showing substantial agreement (κ=0.72) between visits.
- All assessed symptoms, including overall ocular discomfort, also increased with MGD severity.
- Overall ocular discomfort showed the strongest correlation with MMQS, indicating its potential as a single symptom measure.
Conclusions:
- Maximum meibum quality score (MMQS) is a reproducible measure of MGD with good symptom correlation.
- Overall ocular discomfort may serve as a valuable endpoint for MGD clinical trials.
- Findings can inform future clinical trial endpoint selection for MGD.
