Functional and morphological evaluation of meibomian glands in a patient with dyslipidemia

Background The lower and upper tarsal plates are vertically arranged with meibomian glands (MGs), a form of modified, holocrine sebaceous glands that are situated in the eyelid. Aim To assess the relationship between MG dysfunction in various severity grades and dyslipidemia patients. Patients and methods This prospective study performed on 20 dyslipidemia cases, was contrasted with 20 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants underwent history taking, Ocular Surface Disease Index evaluation, complete clinical examination, lipid profile testing, detailed lid margin examination, Schirmer Tear Test I, Fluorescein Breakup Time, and infrared meibography. Results A positive correlation was reported between lipid layer thickness (LLT), gland morphology, and meibum expression scores (left and right eyes) and the levels of low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and cholesterol ( P <0.001). Conversely, a negative correlation was found between LLT, gland morphology, and meibum expression scores (left and right eyes) and high-density lipoproteins ( P <0.001). Conclusion A strong link was determined between dyslipidemia and MG dysfunction, as shown by both subjective (Ocular Surface Disease Index) and objective measures (meibum expression, Fluorescein Breakup Time, LLT, gland density, dropout, and morphology). Managing dyslipidemia may improve general and ocular surface health.