Asymptomatic Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Refractive Surgery Candidates

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Ocular Surface Disease

Background:

• Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) can affect ocular surface health.
• Preoperative assessment for refractive surgery typically focuses on visual acuity and refractive error.
• The presence of asymptomatic MGD may impact surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between asymptomatic meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and preoperative clinical parameters in candidates for refractive surgery.
• To identify factors associated with high MGD severity in patients undergoing evaluation for keratorefractive surgery.
• To assess the impact of MGD on functional visual performance, such as contrast acuity.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case-control study of 3,472 eyes undergoing refractive surgery.
• MGD severity graded clinically (0-3) and categorized as low (0-1) or high (2-3).
• Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses used to identify independent associations with high MGD, including subgroup analysis of contrast acuity.

Main Results:

• High MGD was present in 49.9% of eyes.
• High MGD was independently associated with older age, contact lens wear, higher myopia, thinner corneas, and reduced corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA).
• Reduced contrast acuity was observed in the high MGD group.

Conclusions:

• Asymptomatic MGD in refractive surgery candidates is independently associated with several preoperative clinical factors.
• These factors include older age, contact lens wear, higher myopia, thinner corneas, and reduced visual performance.
• Routine MGD screening is recommended for all patients undergoing preoperative refractive evaluation, regardless of symptoms.