European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a chronic disease of the meibomian glands that is frequently characterised by terminal duct obstruction and/or qualitative/quantitative abnormalities in glandular secretion. Aims and objectives: To evaluate the association between meibomian gland dysfunction and dyslipidemia and also severity of MGD associated with it. Materials and Methods: A Case control study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology in a Tertiary Care Centre after Institutional Ethical Committee approval. Total of 72 cases in each group were enrolled.Detailed history including drug usage was taken and ocular examination was recorded including grading of MGD on expressibility and secretions. Fasting Lipid Profile was done and levels of HDL, LDL, Triglycerides and total cholesterol were compared in cases and age matched controls . Prevalence of dyslipidemia was significantly higher among cases of MGD as compared to controls (56.9% vs 18.1%; p<0.01). Mean total cholesterol (186.89 vs 171.54 mg%; p<0.01), triglycerides (193.35 vs 102.58; p<0.01) and LDL levels (111.36 vs 98.50; p<0.01) were significantly higher in cases with MGD as compared to controls while HDL levels were significantly lower (37.99 vs 45.33; p<0.01).  Conclusion: cases with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) has significantly higher prevalence of dyslipidemia and higher grades of severity of MGD.