Effects of clearing blockage of meibomian gland ducts prior to cataract surgery on dry eye and gland function

To investigate the effects of clearing meibomian gland ducts prior to cataract surgery on the gland dysfunction and dry eye induced by surgery.

A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 110 patients (110 eyes) undergoing elective cataract surgery for senile cataract in our department from June 1, to December 31, 2021. The participants were randomly allocated into treatment (n=56) and control (n=54) groups. The patients from the treatment group were given eyelid compresses and cleaning to remove an obstructed meibum in 1 week prior to cataract surgery, while those from the control group received no such treatment. Ocular surface disease index (OSDI), indicators related to meibomian gland function, including tear film lipid layer thickness (LLT), meibomian glands yielding liquid secretion (MGYLS), meibomian glands yielding secretion score (MGYSS), and tear film break-up time (TBUT) before, and 1 and 3 months after surgery were employed to evaluate the efficacy of clearing meibomian gland ducts.

The control group exhibited significantly decreased MGYLS (P<0.05), increased MGYSS (P<0.01), thinner LLT (P<0.01), shorter TBUT, worsened dry eye symptoms, and elevated OSDI score (P<0.05) in 1 month after surgery. Conversely, the treatment group showed significantly improved MGYLS (P<0.01), decreased MGYSS (P<0.01), thicker LLT, extended TBUT, and improved subjective outcomes reported on OSDI.

Our preoperative meibomian gland treatment prior to cataract surgery may be a safe and effective intervention for relieving dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction induced by surgery.