A Clinical Study on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Dry Eye in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

ABSTRACT

Objective: The objective of the study was to find the occurrence of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye disorder in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and to assess the profile of MGD in type 2 DM patients.Materials and Methods: An observational case-control study was conducted on 100 type 2 diabetes patients and 100 controls who are attending ophthalmology outpatient department with distinct complaints, for example, correction of refractive error. Age and gender matching was done. Tear film evaluation was done for both the groups, lid margin abnormalities were noted under slit lamp biomicroscope, fluorescein staining of ocular surface performed, and pre-corneal tear film was observed for debris. Schirmer’s test as well as tear breakup time test was performed.Results: Of 100 diabetic patients, dry eye disorder was found in 56 (56%) cases, among which 24 patients had MGD. Twenty-four of 56 that is 42% of dry eye is credited to MGD. Of 100 non-diabetics, 15% had dry eye disorder, among which 6 cases had MGD.Conclusions: Diabetes can cause changes in ocular surface with respect to both qualitative and quantitative parameters. Diabetic patients are more susceptible for dry eye disorders when compared to normal subjects. In diabetics, the frequency of MGD is considerably more when compared to nondiabetic group. As the duration of DM increases prevalence and severity of MGD also increases proportionately.