Objective Metrics of Ocular Surface Disease in Contact Lens Wearers: Meibography

Abstract
Dry eye symptoms are very prevalent in contact lens wearers and are most commonly attributed to evaporative dry eye (EDE) due to alterations in the quality of the pre-lens tear film lipids. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), the most common cause of EDE, may result in contact lens-associated dry eye and ultimately to intolerance to contact lens wear. Thus, a thorough assessment of meibomian glands and the eyelid margin prior to and during contact lens wear may ensure continuous contact lens tolerance and the maintenance of a healthy ocular surface. Since meibomian glands are not overtly visible on slit-lamp biomicroscopy, imaging methods such as infrared meibography could play an important role in the evaluation of meibomian gland health. This review discusses the most pertinent advances in infrared meibography and its application to contact lens wearers, with a focus on the utility of quantitative imaging methods in the evaluation of meibomian glands.

Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - April 24, 2015 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research