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Evaluation of blepharoptosis, meibomian gland morphology, and dry eye parameters in older individuals with
Neslihan Parmak Yener1, Suna Avcı2, Ayna Sariyeva Ismayılov3
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Health Sciences, Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital, Bursa, Turkey. parmakyener@gmail.com.
Purpose:
To evaluate blepharoptosis (BP), meibomian gland (MG) morphology, and dry eye parameters in older individuals diagnosed with sarcopenia.
Methods:
This cross-sectional, case-control study included 52 patients with sarcopenia and 30 age-matched healthy controls. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the 2019 European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) criteria. BP was assessed by measuring palpebral fissure (PF), margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1), and levator function (LF). Dry eye evaluation included the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, noninvasive tear break-up time (NITBUT), meibography, and Schirmer I test.
Results:
PF, MRD1, and LF values were significantly lower in the sarcopenia group compared to that in the controls (p = 0.044, p = 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Body mass index (BMI) showed a negative correlation with PF (r = -0.383, p = 0.036). BP was observed in 10.9% of the sarcopenia group and 3.3% of controls (p = 0.077). MG loss and meiboscore were significantly higher in the sarcopenia group (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001), while NITBUT was significantly lower (p = 0.031). No significant differences were found in OSDI scores or Schirmer test results between the two groups.
Conclusions:
Older individuals with sarcopenia exhibited reduced LF and changes in MG morphology and tear film stability. BP and tear film instability may be underrecognized manifestations of sarcopenia and should be considered in comprehensive geriatric and ophthalmologic assessments. Further studies are needed to better understand the relationship between sarcopenia, eyelid functions, and dry eye.
