Clinical Aspects of Phlyctenular Keratoconjunctivitis Using a Tear Film Interferometer

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical findings in phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis patients and assess the function and morphology of Meibomian glands using an interferometer (LipiView®, TearScience, Morrisville, NC, USA) in such patients.METHODS: This retrospective study included 19 eyes of 13 patients diagnosed with phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis. The lipid layer thickness (LLT) and meibograph of each eye was quantified by tear interferometry. Tear film break-up time (TBUT) and corneal staining score were measured. Meibomian gland morphology (lid margin vascularity, plugging of gland orifices, lid margin irregularity, lid margin thickening, and partial glands) was evaluated based on anterior photographs and meibographs.RESULTS: The mean age was 21.3 years (8–44 years). Mean BUT and Oxford corneal staining scores were 2.6 ± 1.2 seconds and 1.9 ± 0.8, respectively. Abnormal findings of the Meibomian glands were observed in all patients. The mean LLT was 79.6 ± 27.4 µm and the incomplete eye blinking frequency was 3.8 ± 5.9 during 20 seconds. The graphs of the tear lipid layer showed various patterns such as flat, up-hill, down-hill, and mixed.CONCLUSIONS: Meibomian gland dysfunctions and changes in the tear film lipid layer were noted in patients with phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis. These factors are to be considered for the treatment of phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis in young patients under 10 years of age.