Poster Abstract

Purpose
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) associated with glaucoma topical treatment (GTT) is related to ocular surface disease (OSD) development. A variety of morphological changes during the natural history of MGD leads finally to glandular atrophy. We purpose to analyze the meibomian gland (MG) morphology differences in patients with different GTT.
Methods
A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted on patients with continuous GTT for at least 6 months. The following groups were established: A= Latanoprost (L) + Timolol (T) + Dorsolamide (D) + Benzalkonium chloride (BAK); B = L + T + BAK; C = T + BAK; D = L + BAK; E = Travoprost + T + Polyquad; Control= Healthy eyes. Meibography was acquired with Keratograph-5M Topographer and analyzed with ImageJ software, obtaining the following morphological glandular parameters: glandular number (GN), glandular tortuosity (GTo), glandular length (GL), glandular thickness (GTh) and meiboscore.
Results
A total of 176 eyes (88 patients) were distributed in groups as the following: A = 30, B = 30, C = 28, D = 30, E = 28, Control = 30. Control group presented the highest GN and GL values. Also, this group had the lowest meiboscore in the superior eyelid (p <0.05). In the inferior eyelid, the best meiboscore was seen in the Control and E groups (p >0.05). Group A presented the shorter GL and meiboscore, but the lowest GTo (p <0.05). Control group presented thinner glands than other therapeutic groups (p <0.05).
Conclusion
The MG morphology differs according to GTT. The type of preservative could play a role in MG toxicity. The GTo may be altered in early stages and would require a minimum GL to be detectable. As OSD decrease both quality of life and patient adherence to treatment, morphological study of MG should be considered in treatment choice and follow-up.