Tear Film and Meibomian Gland Characteristics in Adolescents

Purpose: To establish normative values of ocular surface parameters in adolescents and explore factors associated with meibomian gland (MG) dropout. Methods: Subjects between 8 and 17 years of age were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. All subjects were given dry eye and lifestyle questionnaires. Tear film assessments and meibography were performed. Statistical tests included a one-way analysis of variance to test differences in ocular surface parameters between age groups and linear correlations between clinical findings and lifestyle factors. Results: Two hundred twenty-five subjects completed the study. Thirty-four subjects (15%) reported ocular discomfort, primarily itching. Tear meniscus height increased with age and was greatest in the oldest subjects (mean = 0.25 mm, P
Source: Cornea - Category: Opthalmology Tags: Clinical Science Source Type: research