AIM: To study the effect of preoperative meibomian gland physiotherapy on ocular surface after cataract surgery in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD).

METHODS: Totally 76 eyes of 76 cataract patients with MGD were selected and divided into two groups by random grouping method in our hospital. Patients in the experimental group was given eyelid hot compress and meibomian gland massage before operation(after a full set of treatment in the hospital, patients were instructed to have family hot compress and meibomian gland massage every night), and patients in the control group was not given any treatment. Cataract phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation were performed in both groups. The non-invasive tear break-up time(NITBUT)and the tear meniscus height(TMH)were examined by ocular keratograph, the thickness of lipid layer(LLT)were examined by LipiView, and the Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI)questionnaire was conducted at 1wk before operation and 1wk, 1mo after operation.

RESULTS: The NITBUT, TMH and OSDI were significantly different between the two groups before and after operation(P<0.05). The NITBUT were significantly lower than in both groups 1wk and 1mo after operation than those before operation(P<0.05). The NITBUT in the control group were significantly lower than those in the experimental group 1wk and 1mo after operation(P<0.05). The TMH was significantly lower one week after operation in the experimental group than those before operation(P<0.05), and returned to the preoperative level 1mo after operation(P>0.05). The OSDI were significantly improved after operation compared with those before surgery in both groups 1wk and 1mo(P<0.05). The OSDI in the control group were significantly higher than those in the experimental group 1wk and 1mo after operation(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification of cataract can destroy the function of meibomian gland and the ocular surface condition in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction. However, preoperative meibomian gland physiotherapy can significantly improve the ocular surface condition of patients with meibomian gland dysfunction after cataract surgery, and improve the satisfaction of patients.