Evaluation of Meibomian Glands and Tear Film in Pterygium Patients

BACKGROUND In this study we wanted to estimate the tear film and meibomian gland abnormalities in pterygium patients, and compare the tear film in pterygium eye with non pterygium eye. METHODS This was a prospective study conducted in the outpatient department of ophthalmology of Adichunchanagiri institute of Medical sciences, Bellur, Mandya. A TBUT of <10 secs, Schirmer <10 secs and Meibomian glands <1/3 of lid area considered to be abnormal. RESULTS The Schirmer’s test showed 41.1% of dry eye out of which 28.8% was mild, 12.3% was moderate dry eye disease. And TBUT test showed 51.1% dry eye out of which 31.2% was mild, 8.8% was moderate and 11.1% was severe dry eye disease. 27(30%) patients had grade 1, 26(28.9) patients with grade 2 and 24(26.7) patients with grade 3 meibomian gland disorder. In eyes with pterygium, results were significantly different. CONCLUSIONS Meibomian gland and tear film may be altered in patients having pterygium, which may lead to ocular discomfort and dry eye.