Functional State of Meibomian Glands in Military Personnel with Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

Аннотация

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is considered a key pathogenic factor in the development of dry eye syndrome (DES). The aim of this study was to assess the anatomical and functional state of the meibomian glands in military personnel with symptoms of DES using the LacryDiag diagnostic system. Materials and Methods. A total of 120 military personnel (240 eyes) with complaints of DES symptoms were examined. Two control groups were formed: individuals with DES symptoms not serving in the military (n=40), and healthy participants (n=40). The study utilized meibography methods, visualization with LacryDiag, and calculation of the meibomian gland dysfunction index (MGDI). Gland density analysis was performed using the ImageJ software. Results. In the group of military personnel, the average meibomian gland density was 28.6%, corresponding to moderate atrophy. In control group 1, the value reached 51.4%, and in control group 2 — over 70%. The average MGDI value in the main group was 1.58±0.34 points, compared to 1.22±0.22 and 0.48±0.11 in the respective control groups (p<0.05). A strong positive correlation was established between the OSDI index and MGDI in military personnel (r=0.701). Conclusion. Military personnel demonstrate more pronounced meibomian gland dysfunction than civilian individuals, which confirms the need for in-depth diagnosis and prevention of DES using high-precision methods such as LacryDiag. Keywords: Dry eye syndrome, meibomian glands, LacryDiag, dysfunction, military personnel. These conditions may contribute to the development Introduction: Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a widespread or exacerbation of MGD, thereby increasing the condition characterized by tear film instability and frequency and severity of DES symptoms in this group. inflammation of the ocular surface, accompanied by subjective symptoms such as burning, itching, foreign Diagnosing MGD requires both clinical assessment and body sensation, and dryness [1,2,3]. Meibomian gland the use of modern instrumental methods. The dysfunction (MGD), as one of the leading causes of DES, LacryDiag system provides objective evaluation of the has attracted considerable attention from anatomical and functional status of the meibomian ophthalmologists and researchers due to its significant glands, allowing for high-precision visualization of contribution to the disease pathogenesis. Military gland damage. The use of this method enables a more personnel, as a specific patient population, are exposed detailed study of MGD-related changes in military to a variety of adverse factors including stress, personnel [1,8,9,10]. The present study aims to identify prolonged outdoor activity, the use of protective specific features of MGD in military personnel with DES eyewear, and limited access to medical care [4,5,6,7]. symptoms and to perform a comparative analysis with International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research 6 https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijmscr International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research (ISSN: 2771-2265) civilian individuals exhibiting similar symptoms or no quantity. An average dysfunction index was calculated ophthalmological pathology. based on eight glands of the lower eyelid per eye. The obtained numerical values were used for statistical Objective of the Study. To assess the degree of analysis of differences between the groups. meibomian gland dysfunction in military personnel with symptoms of dry eye syndrome (DES) using the Normally, MGs present with uniform thickness, distinct LacryDiag diagnostic system, and to compare the borders, and span the entire eyelid length. Mild findings with control groups of civilians both with and dysfunction was defined as slight shortening or without DES symptoms. thinning of the glands with up to 25% area loss. Moderate dysfunction was defined as a loss of 25–50%, METHODS while severe dysfunction involved greater than 50% The study included 120 military personnel (240 eyes) gland structure loss, with glands appearing markedly with complaints of ocular discomfort associated with shortened or entirely absent. dry eye syndrome (DES) symptoms such as burning, Assessment of MGDI: The MGDI was based on clinical itching, foreign body sensation, and dryness. The signs of gland dysfunction and secretion function. participants served in various units of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The mean age of the Eyelid margin features were evaluated: redness, participants was 23.4±4.5 years, of whom 95 (79.2%) thickening, and signs of duct obstruction. were men and 25 (20.8%) were women. Secretory testing involved gentle compression of the Inclusion criteria: eyelids using a standard instrument (e.g., cotton stick or other ophthalmic device). Conscription age (18–27 years); The consistency of secretions was graded as follows: Presence of ocular discomfort related to DES symptoms (burning, itching, foreign body sensation, dryness); Transparent fluid secretion: