Meibography of the Upper Eyelids in Cats. Correlations With Age, Body Weight and Tear Parameters

Meibomian glands are responsible for the production and secretion of lipids into the precorneal tear film, which limits its evaporation. This study aimed to evaluate the percentage of Meibomian gland loss rate (MGLR) in the upper eyelid of cats of different ages assessed by infrared meibography. Additionally, possible correlations between MGLR and age, body weight and tear tests were assessed. Three groups were formed according to age: from 6 months to 2 years (Group A, n = 14), from 2 to 3 years (Group B, n = 15), and from 3 to 6 years (Group C, n = 13). Schirmer tear test (STT-1), tear film break-up time (TFBT) and MGLR were performed in 79 eyes of 42 cats (21 males and 21 females). STT-1 was higher in Group C, with statistical significance only when compared with Group B (p = 0.02). TFBT did not differ significantly among groups (p = 0.90). MGLR did not differ between males and females (p = 0.99). MGLR was 25.08% ± 4.16% in Group A, 28.27% ± 4.45% in Group B and 27.72% ± 3.80% in Group C (p = 0.10), and did not correlate with any of the evaluated parameters. This study demonstrated that MGLR is not influenced by sex and did not differ between young and adult cats. Additionally, this parameter did not correlate with age, body weight or tear parameters.