STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL CORRELATION OF MEIBOMIAN GLAND DYSFUNCTION

Background : Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) , often underdiagnosed condition, signicantly contributes to dry eye disease. Integrating advanced diagnostic tools like Lipiscan into clinical practice allows for the early detection of structural changes in the meibomian glands before functional loss occurs. This study aimed to evaluate the efcacy of diagnostic tools for MGD, focusing on the Schirmer's test, Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT), and Lipiscan. This prospective cross sectional study done in 185 patients was conducted at S Method: ri Ramachandra Medical College in Chennai from April 2023 to April 2024. The inclusion criteria were patients with dry eye symptoms identied using DEQ-5 questionnaire scores >1b, aged 30-70, with no history of ocular procedures, diabetes, hypertension, radiation exposure, or allergies. The exclusion criteria included patients under systemic immunosuppressants, chemotherapy, neurological or autoimmune disorders, pre-existing ocular surface disorders, ocular procedure history, vitamin A deciency, or chemical injuries. Results: The study revealed that TBUT had 100% specicity compared with Schirmer's test, with an average sensitivity of 69.5%. Lipiscan exhibited almost 100% sensitivity compared with TBUT, highlighting its superior ability to detect MGD. The advanced capabilities of Lipiscan in early diagnosis and intervention were underscored, noting its non-invasive nature and patient-friendly approach, which enhances compliance and comfort. Conclusion: Lipiscan is an effective screening and diagnostic tool for early-stage MGD. Structural abnormalities detected through meibomian gland imaging often precede functional loss, making it more sensitive for diagnosing dry eye disease early.This can lead to more personalised and targeted treatment plans, improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of dry eye disease.