[Influence of cataract surgery on Meibomian gland dysfunction (French translation of the article)].

PURPOSE

To evaluate the influence of cataract surgery on meibomian gland dysfunction, in particular on postoperative functional symptoms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty patients who underwent cataract surgery were included in the study. A clinical examination (OSDI questionnaire, measurement of tear break up time [TBUT], corneal staining, meibomian gland expressibility test) and a paraclinical evaluation (loss of Meibomius glands [LMG] measured using ImageJ on meibography, conjunctival redness and non-invasive tear break up time [NIK-BUT]) were performed preoperatively and at 1 month and 3 months after phacoemulsification.

RESULTS

TBUT and meibomian gland expressibility were worsened at 1 month and 3 months postoperatively (P<0.05). LMG was significantly more important for the upper eyelid and the mean at 1 month (33.1±15.2 P=0.02; 28.5±15.6 P=0.025, respectively) and 3 months postoperatively (36.5±17.4 P=0.0005; 31.2±17.4 P=0.0002, respectively) than preoperative values (29.4±15.3; 26±15, respectively). There was a significant correlation between LMG on the upper eyelid preoperatively and the OSDI score at 1 month postoperatively (R=0.37; P=0.05).

CONCLUSION

The meibomian gland loss in the upper eyelid is associated with an increased postoperative ocular discomfort score. Alterations in the meibomian gland expressibility and TBUT persist for up to 3 months postoperatively suggesting a direct role of cataract surgery by an obstructive mechanism.