Abstract

To study meibomian gland disorders (MGD) and lipid levels in north Indian population. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 100 clinically diagnosed cases of MGD were included in the study. A detailed history using a Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye (SANDE) questionnaires was taken. Thorough clinical examination using Slit Lamp was performed to confirm the diagnosis of dry eye and for the probable etiology. For this, standard tests like Tear Film break-up time [TFBUT], Schirmer’s test, Phenol Red Thread test were employed. Patients found to have dry eye were evaluated further by slit-lamp biomicroscopy of the lid margins for posterior blepharitis and the degree of meibomian gland dysfunction, if any, was graded. After a complete ocular examination, they were allotted into the groups. Laboratory investigation that was performed in each patient included Serum Fasting Lipid Profile. Results: More than half (59%) of patients were above 45 years of age and 57% were males.Grade II severity of meibomitis was in more than one third of the cases (46%) followed by grade I (42%) and grade III (12%).Borderline cholesterol was in 55% of the cases who had grade II severity of meibomitis. High cholesterol level was found the 50% patients of grade III severity of meibomitis. However, this association was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). High TG was seen 53.5% and 30.2% of grade II and grade III severity of meibomitis. The association between TG level and severity of meibomitis was found to be statistically significant (p=0.0001). There was no significant (p>0.05) association of serum HDL level with severity of meibomitis. However, serum LDL level was found to be significantly (p=0.008) associated with severity of meibomitis. Conclusions: Patients with MGD with history of dyslipidemia may have undiscovered abnormal serum cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels.