Methods of Screening for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

The relevance of the modern diagnosis of meibomian glands dysfunction (MGD) increases daily. Firstly, it is caused by changing of the perception about the prevalence of this disease, according to various data it is from 40 to 71% of the population in different age groups. Considering the increasing number of patients suffering from MGD, there is the need to develop screening methods for diagnosis of this disease. Screening methods should be available not only for specialists involved in the treatment of xerosis keratoconjunctival in specialized ophthalmology clinics, but also in out-patient sector. An important aspect in the diagnosis of the severity of the functional
disorders of the meibomian glands is the assessment of morphological status that determines the further choice of therapy. To evaluate the morphological and functional state of the meibomian glands proposed to use biometrics of meibomian glands. A slit lamp is used for examination. Furthermore, objective data characterizing the morpho-functional state of the meibomian glands, can be obtained by carrying out meibography. Authors used not only white light but also infrared light for the visualization of meibomian glands during meibography. The multifunctional ophthalmic devices equipped with infrared lighting can be used for lighting. For example, specialized slit lamps, corneal topographs, Sheympflyug camera, the fundus camera and others. We applied nonmidriatic fundus camera TOPCON TRC-NW300, using for fotoregistration of the ocular fundus. A feature of the proposed method — meyboskopy — was simplicity and absence of necessity of the investigator skills by scanning with the fundus camera of the inner surface of the eyelid. Meiboskopy doesn’t require  additional equipment and software of the fundus camera and allows to receive objective quality video of meibomian glands, it opens new diagnostic possibilities. Extending of the range of diagnostic capabilities in detecting of MGD based on the screening methods will allow time to assess the severity of this disease and to appoint pathogenetically substantiated therapy.

meibomian glands dysfunction, screening, meibography, meiboskopy, fundus camera

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