ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DYSLIPIDEMIA AND SEVERITY OF MEIBOMIAN GLAND DYSFUNCTION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Purpose: Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is a leading cause of evaporative dry eye, and emerging evidence suggests that systemic metabolic disturbances such as dyslipidemia may influence its pathogenesis by altering the biochemical composition of meibum. This study aimed to evaluate the association between comprehensive serum lipid abnormalities and the severity of MGD.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 40 patients aged 18–54 years diagnosed with MGD at a tertiary care center over three months. Clinical evaluation included meibomian gland expressibility assessment, tear breakup time (TBUT), measured as the interval between a blink and tear film disruption, and Schirmer’s test. Fasting lipid profiles were analysed, including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides (TG). The primary outcome was the association between dyslipidemia and MGD severity. Data were analysed using appropriate parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: The majority were 41–50 years (35%), and females constituted 52.5%. Stage II MGD was most common (42.5%), followed by Stage I (22.5%), Stage III (20%), and Stage IV (15%). TBUT reduced progressively from 12.4 ± 1.4 seconds in Stage I to 6 ± 1 seconds in Stage IV, and Schirmer’s values declined from 11.5 ± 1.3 mm/5min to 5.8 ± 1 mm/5min (p < 0.001). Dyslipidemia prevalence increased with disease severity, from 28% in Stage I to 67% in Stage IV (p = 0.009). LDL ≥130 mg/dL (p < 0.001), low HDL (p=0.004), and TG >150 mg/dL (p = 0.028) were significantly associated with advanced MGD.

Conclusion: Dyslipidemia is significantly associated with increasing severity of MGD. Early lipid screening may support targeted management and slow disease progression.