AIM: To investigate the significance of ocular surface interferometer in the diagnosis of Meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD).

METHODS: Prospective case-control studies. Totally 62 patients with MGD and 38 healthy volunteers were selected in Peking University Third Hospital from October to November in 2017. All subjects of both groups were examined respectively for Ocular Surface Disease Index Questionnaire(OSDI), slit-lamp anterior segment check, the eye surface interferometer inspection, and break up time. Independent sample t-test and chi-square test were used for comparison between the two groups. Spearman correlation analysis was used in the group of patients with MGD.

RESULTS: In both groups, there were changes on the morphology of the eyelid, and the lesions were different. The score of OSDI, the discharge ability and the loss score of the MGD group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05). However, the lipid layer thickness(LLT)was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in BUT, the proportion of incomplete blink time, the score of Meibomian gland orifice and the quality score of the Meibomian gland discharge ability between the two groups(P>0.05). The Spearman correlation analysis indicated that the negative correlation between LLT and the OSDI questionnaire score(r_s=-0.730, P<0.01), LLT and the Meibomian gland orifice(r_s=-0.639, P<0.01), LLT and the loss of Meibomian gland(r_s=-4.15, P=0.001); however, the positive correlation was shown between the loss of Meibomian gland and the OSDI questionnaire score(r_s=0.790, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION: Meibomian gland dysfunction symptoms and signs significantly correlates with LLT, loss of Meibomian gland detected by ocular surface interferometer, so ocular surface interferometer can be used for rapid, noninvasive and objective diagnosis of Meibomian gland dysfunction and assess the stage of disease progression.