
Malin Malmsjö
Professor

Tear secretion is preserved while the area of meibomian glands is reduced in patients with prosthetic eyes, contributing to the symptoms of dry eye
Author
Summary, in English
Background/aims It is unclear whether a reduction in tear secretion contributes to the discomfort experienced by those with prosthetic eyes. Tear secretion has hitherto only been measured with the Schirmer test which may be affected by the pooling of tears behind the prosthesis. In this study, direct imaging of the lacrimal gland has been performed to measure tear secretion in anophthalmic sockets. The relation between the area of meibomian glands and dry eye symptoms was also assessed.Methods 12 patients were included. The amount of tear secretion was measured by direct imaging of the lacrimal gland while the presence of meibomian glands was determined using meibography. The 5-item Dry Eye Questionnaire was used to assess symptoms of dry eye.Results No difference was found in tear secretion between the anophthalmic socket and the contralateral eye. The area of meibomian glands was significantly reduced in eyelids on the side of the prosthetic eye, compared with the contralateral eye. Seven patients reported symptoms indicative of dry eye in the anophthalmic socket, compared with only two in the contralateral eye.Conclusions The effects of an eye prosthesis on meibomian glands may contribute to the frequently perceived symptoms of dry eye despite unaffected in tear secretion.All data relevant to the study are included in the article.
Department/s
- Ophthalmology Imaging Research Group
- LU Profile Area: Light and Materials
- LTH Profile Area: Photon Science and Technology
- Ophthalmology, Lund
Publishing year
2025
Language
English
Pages
300-304
Publication/Series
British Journal of Ophthalmology
Volume
109
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
BMJ Publishing Group
Topic
- Ophthalmology
Status
Published
Research group
- Ophthalmology Imaging Research Group
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1468-2079