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Modeling meibum secretion: Alternatives for obstructive Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
Shangbang Luo1, Gagik P Djotyan2, Rohan Joshi1
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
The Ocular Surface
|December 2, 2023
Summary
Meibum secretion flow dramatically decreases as it solidifies, with eyelid pressure and duct size also impacting delivery. These factors may explain meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye disease.
Area of Science:
- Ocular surface disease
- Biomechanical modeling
- Meibomian gland physiology
Background:
- Meibum quality changes correlate with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye disease severity.
- The mechanics of meibum secretion remain poorly understood.
- Understanding meibum flow is crucial for addressing MGD and dry eye.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a finite element model of meibum secretion.
- To evaluate factors influencing meibum delivery to the ocular surface.
- To investigate the biomechanics of meibum flow within the meibomian gland.
Main Methods:
- Finite element analysis (FEA) using COMSOL 6.0 simulated meibum flow.
- Human meibum rheology data (fluid to solid states) informed model parameters.
- Investigated effects of meibum melting state, eyelid pressure, and duct diameter on flow rates.
Main Results:
- Meibum solidification increased yield stress and viscosity, exponentially decreasing flow.
- Meibum flow rate showed a linear correlation with eyelid pressure.
- Meibum flow rate correlated with the 4th power of the terminal duct radius.
Conclusions:
- Meibum melting state, duct radius, and eyelid pressure significantly impact meibum flow.
- Decreased meibum flow may result from these biomechanical factors.
- Findings suggest alternative mechanisms for meibomian gland obstruction in MGD.
