Investigating Risk Factors for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Loss Among Young Medical Trainees

To determine risk factors for meibomian gland disease and associated structural abnormalities in meibography among young medical trainees.

This study included 84 medical students and residents younger than 45 years. All participants completed an ocular history and lifestyle questionnaire and the standardized patient evaluation of eye dryness (SPEED) II questionnaire. Meibomian gland (MG) dropout and structural changes were evaluated using meibography and scored by 2 graders using meiboscores. Statistical analysis aimed to identify MG loss risk factors.

Eighty-four individuals participated, and 168 meibography images were reviewed. Previous contact lens (CL) use (n = 88) demonstrated increased MG loss ( P = 0.007). Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between MG loss and both frequency (Spearman r = 0.212, P = 0.003) and duration (Spearman r = 0.271, P <0.001) of CL use. Eye makeup users (n = 112) showed greater MG loss than nonusers (n = 56, P = 0.030), particularly eyeliner (n = 102) and eyeshadow (n = 100) users showing increased meiboscores ( P = 0.020 and P = 0.040, respectively). Self-reported screen time and SPEED II scores did not correlate with meiboscores ( P >0.05).

In a young trainee population, where age-related factors are reduced, previous CL use and eye makeup use are significant risk factors for MG loss. Frequency and length of CL wear affect MG dropout severity. Eye makeup usage also affected MG loss. Highlighting the incongruence of symptoms to signs, SPEED II scores showed no relationship with MG structural integrity.