title: Meibomian gland dysfunction: some clinical, biochemical and physical observations.
abstract: Dysfunction of the meibomian glands resulting from contact lens wear has recently been recognized. This study shows that 30% of lens wearers develop some degree of meibomian gland dysfunction after 6 months of wear whereas only 20% of non-lens wearers have similar problem. Thirty-three per cent of the male wearers have dysfunctioning glands compared with 28% of female wearers. The incidence does not depend on the type of lenses worn. There was no detectable differences between the composition of the abnormal fluid secreted by the dysfunctioning glands and the clear fluid coming out of the normal unblocked glands, as shown by thin layer chromatography. On studying the melting point of the lipids, we found that material from abnormal glands melted at approximately 3 degrees C higher than the normal fluid.
authors.affiliation: Department of Optometry, University of Wales, College of Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Ong
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Larke
mesh_terms: D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D003261:Contact Lenses / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008055:Lipids / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008297:Male; D008537:Meibomian Glands / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D008055:Lipids