AN INNOVATIVE MEIBOGRAPHY APPROACH FOR ASSESSING MEIBOMIAN GLAND STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION IN DRY EYE DISEASE

Background and Aims: Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition affecting the tear film and ocular surface, leading to discomfort, visual impairment, and ocular surface damage. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the primary cause of evaporative dry eye, significantly contributing to DED pathophysiology. This study aimed to evaluate meibomian gland structure and function using an innovative meibography approach and correlate gland loss with DED severity. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at a tertiary healthcare center from September 2023 to August 2024. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. A total of 260 patients were recruited, with 130 diagnosed with DED and 130 age-matched controls. Clinical assessments included tear breakup time (TBUT), Schirmers Test I (SCH I), and meibography using transillumination techniques. Meibomian gland loss was graded using Arita et al.s [5] classification. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v25, with a p-value <0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean age was 53.2 12.8 years. Females constituted 66.9% of the study group. Evaporative dry eye was predominant (68.46%). Gland loss correlated significantly with age (P = 0.000), TBUT (P = 0.002), and SCH I (P = 0.001). Severe DED was present in 55.2% of eyes with grade 3 gland loss. Conclusion: We concluded that meibography is an effective, non-invasive tool for assessing MGD-related DED. Gland loss is strongly associated with DED severity, emphasizing the need for early intervention.