%0 Journal Article
%T Evaluation of Meibomian Gland Structure and Function in Patients with Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis Using Non Contact Meibography and Lipid Layer Interferometry.
%A Singla P
%A Malhotra C
%A Jain AK
%A Gupta A
%A Ram J
%J Ocul Immunol Inflamm
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 Jul 10
%M 38984952
%F 3.728
%R 10.1080/09273948.2024.2373375
%X <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>This study evaluated the structural and functional impact of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) on meibomian glands (MGs) using a combination of noncontact meibography and lipid layer interferometry.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>In this observational study 50 patients with moderate persistent or severe VKC and 50 age-matched controls underwent MG imaging and lipid layer thickness (LLT) measurements with Lipiview II. Image J software was used to assess MG loss (meibograde) in both lids. All patients underwent dry eye evaluation comprising tear break-up time (TBUT), ocular surface staining (OSS), Schirmer I scoring, and meiboscoring (expressibility and quality of meibum secreted).<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Meibograde, OSS score, and meiboscore was higher in cases (2.68 ± 0.96, 0.580 ± 1.07, and 0.56 ± 0.95 respectively) than controls (1.80 ± 0.67, 0.00 ± 0.00, 0.22 ± 0.47 respectively) (p < 0.001, 0.001, 0.025 respectively). LLT and TBUT was lower in cases (54.58 ± 9.43 nm and 4.92 ± 3.09 sec respectively) than controls (70.14 ± 22.50 nm and 12.02 ± 2.73 sec respectively) (both p's = 0.001). Both groups had comparable Schirmer I scores.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Children with VKC have significant MG dropouts, deterioration in meibum quality and a thinner and less stable tear film. VKC patients are thus prone to a vicious cycle of inflammation attributable both to the allergic component and to deterioration in MG structure and function. Co-management of MG dysfunction warrants as much attention as the allergic component itself.