Morphology and volume of Meibomian glands ex vivo pre and post partial tarsal plate excision, cryotherapy and laser therapy in the dog using microCT

Abstract

Objective To determine the morphology and volume of Meibomian glands (MG) of dogs with microCT before and after partial tarsal plate excision (PTPE), cryotherapy, and laser therapy. Procedure MicroCT scans were made of 12 upper lids (ULs) and lower lids (LLs) of 12 dogs. After undergoing PTPE, 10 ULs and LLs were scanned again, and one UL and one LL was scanned after laser therapy and one UL and one LL after cryotherapy. Results The length of the area containing MGs did not change pre‐ and post‐PTPE, and cryo‐ or laser therapy. The mean number of MGs in the ULs and LLs was 30.50 and 29.42, respectively, and did not change during the procedures. The average length of one individual MG was 2.60 mm. The mean volume of MGs in the 10 ULs and LLs pre‐PTPE was 21.45 and 17.2 mm3, respectively, and 12.84 and 11.25 mm3 in the UL and LL after PTPE, respectively. The mean volume of MGs decreased from 29.78 mm3 precryotherapy to 28.91 mm3 post‐treatment and in the lower eyelid from 22.87 to 22.4 mm3 after cryotherapy. The mean volume of MGs in the UL and LL before laser therapy was 8.95 and 6.78 mm3, respectively, and after 9.25 and 6.38 mm3, respectively. Conclusion MicroCT is a valuable tool to determine the morphology and the volume of MGs and to demonstrate changes that occur after PTPE, laser‐, and cryotherapy. There is no need for additional preparation, such as staining, of the specimen prior to scanning.

Effects of topical ketorolac tromethamine on tear parameters, meibography, goblet cell density, and conjunctival oxidative stress in healthy dogs

“…14,15 Meibomian glands (MGs) are essential to produce the outer lipid layer of the tear film, which plays an important role in stabilizing the tear film after blinking, preventing the premature evaporation of the tear. 16 In vitro and in vivo studies on humans have shown that ophthalmic solutions preserved with BAC cause more severe damage to MGs than preservative-free ophthalmic solutions. 17,18 The goblet cell-derived mucin layer is the base overlying the glycocalyx-microvilli complex that anchors the aqueous layer of the tear film over the ocular surface.…”