Comparison of Meibomian Gland Imaging Findings and Lipid Layer Thickness between Primary Sjögren Syndrome and Non-Sjögren Syndrome Dry Eyes

Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2020;28(2):182-187. doi: 10.1080/09273948.2018.1562557. Epub 2019 Feb 22.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare meibomian gland (MG) imaging findings and lipid layer thickness (LLT) between patients with primary Sjögren syndrome (SS) dry eyes (DE) and non-SS DE.Methods: A total of 60 patients-30 with SS DE and 30 with non-SS DE were evaluated. Infrared image findings of MGs and LLT were assessed using the LipiView II interferometer.Results: The maximum LLT was significantly lower in the SS DE group. SS DE exhibited significantly higher MG dropout compared to the non-SS DE. Average and maximal LLT showed significant negative correlations with MG dropout in both groups (p<0.05). Conjunctival staining scores showed significant correlations with average and maximum LLT and MG dropout values in the SS DE group (p<0.05).Conclusion: These findings suggest that the new interferometer will be useful in understanding the pathophysiology of SS DE.

Keywords: Dry eye; Sjögren syndrome; interferometer; lipid layer thickness; meibomian gland imaging.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Dry Eye Syndromes / diagnosis*
  • Dry Eye Syndromes / metabolism
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Interferometry
  • Lipids / analysis*
  • Male
  • Meibomian Glands / diagnostic imaging*
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / metabolism
  • Tears / metabolism*

Substances

  • Lipids