Meibomian gland dysfunction in geriatric population
Mohammadreza Asadollahi1 *, Reza Pakzad2 , Mehdi Khabazkhoob3
- Noor Research Center for Ophthalmic Epidemiology, Noor Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: To determine the prevalence of Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and its risk factors in an elderly Iranian population
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019. The target population was the subjects aged 60 and over living in Thran. Multistage cluster sampling was done to select the subjects from all Tehran districts. After an initial interview, all subjects underwent complete ophthalmic examinations including the measurement of visual acuity and refraction as well as slit lamp biomicroscopy to evaluate Meibomian glands.
Results: Of 3791 selected subjects, 3310 participated in the study. The data of 3284 participants was analyzed. The mean age of the subjects was 68.24±6.53 years (range: 60-97 years) and 57.8% of them were female. The total prevalence of MGD was 71.2% (68.3-74.1), and 38.1% (8.35-40.4), 30.3% (27.4-33.2), and 2.8% (2-3.6) of the subjects had MGD grade 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The prevalence of MGD was significantly higher in men (p<0.001) and increased with age from 64.4% in the age group 60-64 years to 82.4% in subjects aged over 80 years. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of MGD between smokers and non-smokers; however, severe MGD was more common in smokers. The prevalence of MGD was 76.3% and 68.52% in subjects with and without a history of ocular surgery, respectively. The prevalence of MGD grade 3 and 4 was higher in subjects with a history of ocular surgery.
Conclusion: In line with the results of other studies in Asian countries, this study found a high prevalence of MGD in an elderly population of Iran. Male gender and advanced age were risk factors of MGD and smoking and history of ocular surgery may worsen this disease in MGD patients.
