Evaluation of tear film layer and meibomian gland morphology in glaucoma patients

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the changes in meibomian gland (MG) morphology and tear film layer in glaucoma patients. Materials and Methods: The study included 88 eyes of 44 glaucoma patients and 166 eyes of 83 healthy subjects. Noncontact meibography and noninvasive tear break-up time (TBUT) tests were performed with the Sirius Scheimpflug camera. Results: The total meiboscore, first and mean noninvasive TBUT, invasive TBUT, and OSDI scores were 3.57 ± 1.57, 9.24 ± 5.86, 10.76 ± 4.81, 7.62 ± 3.04, and 14.11 ± 10.48, respectively, for the glaucoma group and 2.43 ± 1.42, 11.17 ± 5.72, 12.30 ± 4.65, 9.56 ± 3.39, and 8.17 ± 7.17, respectively, for the control group. Conclusion: Morphological changes in the MG, decreases in TBUT tests and increases in OSDI scores were observed in glaucoma patients. The changes in the MG occurring in glaucoma patients may be associated with long-term use of topical antiglaucoma medication.