AIM: To explore the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)in elder patients.

METHODS: Through the questionnaire survey, tear break-up time, Shimmer I test, corneal fluorescein staining and meibomian gland secretion examination, 74 cases(145 eyes)of meibomian gland dysfunction were divided into mild, moderate, severe group. According to the disease degree, dredging, cleaning combined eyelid massage, artificial tears, or anti-inflammatory, anti-infection were performed, respectively.

RESULTS: Totally 74 patients were treated for meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)with 145 eyes. After one month, the ocular surface disease index decreased, the meibomian gland secretion grade lowered, the time period of tear broken was extended, the ocular surface staining grade lowered. The ratio of total cure was 34.5%, and the ratio of efficiency was 98.6%.

CONCLUSION: Ophthalmology physicians should master the clinical characteristic of MGD for the elderly patients. Symptoms, illness history inquiry and MGD test were highly regarded to avoid misdiagnosis and error treatment.