Characterization of Meibomian Gland Atrophy and the Potential Risk Factors for Middle Aged to Elderly Patients With Cataracts

Purpose To explore the characteristics of meibomian gland (MG) atrophy and its potential risk factors in the age-related cataract population. Methods Patients who underwent cataract surgery at age 40 or older were enrolled in this study. Preoperative clinical measurement records were obtained, including lipid layer thickness, tear meniscus height, noninvasive breakup time, and meiboscore. The meibomian gland atrophy ratio (MGAR) was measured by the ImageJ software. Univariate regression analysis and multivariate regression analysis were used to analyze the risk factors for MG atrophy. Results Female patients had less atrophy of the MG compared with male patients. The MGAR, meiboscore, tear meniscus height (TMH), and lipid layer thickness (LLT) gradually increased with age. However, the noninvasive breakup time decreased with age. The multivariate regression analysis indicated that dyslipidemia and increased triglyceride levels were identified as independent protective factors for MG atrophy. We further stratified the model by sex, and the following results showed only in the female patients with dyslipidemia and increased triglyceride had decreased MG atrophy. No significant correlation was observed between MG atrophy and tear film parameters including TMH, noninvasive breakup time, and LLT. Conclusions Our study suggests that age, sex, and diabetes are potential risk factors for MG atrophy. In addition, dyslipidemia and increased triglyceride levels are independent protective factors for MG atrophy in the elderly female population. Translational Relevance MG atrophy is the leading cause of meibomian gland dysfunction. To study the characteristics and risk factors of MG atrophy in cataract patients would be helpful to predict and prevent postoperative development of MGD.