Comparative study on the effect of hyperthermic massage and mechanical squeezing in the patients with mild and severe meibomian gland dysfunction: An interventional case series

Abstract

Background Meibomian glands exist beneath the palpebral conjunctiva; thus, it is invisible to the naked eye without infrared imaging. This study used meibography to group patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and assessed the effects of hyperthermic massage and mechanical squeezing in both groups. Materials and methods Patients with MGD were divided into two groups, according to the degree of meibomian gland loss: group 1, in which the sum of eyelid scores ranged from 0 to 4 (mild to moderate gland loss) and group 2, in which the sum of eyelid scores ranged from 5 to 6 (severe gland loss). Hyperthermic massage and mechanical squeezing were given to both groups once a week for 4 weeks, and only non-preservative artificial tears were allowed. Ocular surface disease index (OSDI), Schirmer’s test, meibography score, tear break-up time (TBUT), ocular surface staining, expressible meibomian gland, and quality before and after treatment were compared. Results Of the 49 patients who completed the 4 weeks of treatment and the evaluation at week 5, 29 were assigned to group 1 and 20 were assigned to group 2. Meibography scores, OSDI, TBUT, and expressibility of meibum had significant differences before and after treatments in both groups. However, there was no significant difference between the changes in clinical signs between group 1 and 2 after treatment. Without grouping, all patients showed significant decreases in meibography score, OSDI, cornea staining score, and increases in TBUT and expressibility of meibum after treatment. Conclusions Considering the results of the current study, hyperthermic massage and mechanical squeezing may be effective in patients with meibomian gland loss, regardless of the degree of severity.

Immediate and Quantitative Changes in Tear Film Parameters and Meibomian Gland Structures after Warm Compression and Meibomian Gland Squeezing in Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Patients and Normal Subjects

“…MGD can reduce TFLLT and alter its distribution, consequently leading to dry eye symptoms, ocular irritation, and many other symptoms. Warm compression, eyelid hygiene, and mechanical squeezing are usually recommended for MGD treatment [ 5 , 18 ]. Multiple studies have reported long-term effectiveness of warm lid compression and mechanical expression in treating MGD [ 18 , 19 ].…”

“…Warm compression, eyelid hygiene, and mechanical squeezing are usually recommended for MGD treatment [ 5 , 18 ]. Multiple studies have reported long-term effectiveness of warm lid compression and mechanical expression in treating MGD [ 18 , 19 ]. However, immediate effects of such treatments and comparisons of those effects between the normal group and the MGD group have not been reported.…”

Internet appointment has more advantages than traditional appointment in the nursing service of dry eye patients

“…[4][5][6] Meibomian gland expression is a treatment for DED by promoting the drainage of obstruent meibomian secretion, usually with the help of glass rods, chalazion clamps, strabismus hooks, and other tools. [7][8][9] It is generally recommended to carry out after a hot compress and squeeze the upper and lower meibomian glands. It has been used to treat DED for at least 90 years.…”

Effect of minocycline ointment on meibomian gland dysfunction in a rat model

“…The management of MGD involves a comprehensive approach, which includes eyelid hygiene, warm compresses, and medications [5]. One such medication is minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties, which has been used to treat various ocular surface diseases, including MGD [6].…”