Meibomian gland secretion quality association with ocular parameters in university students during COVID- 19 restrictions

Purpose: To determine if the Meibomian Gland (MG) secretion quality is associated with symptoms of ocular discomfort, hours of Video Display Terminals (VDT) use, eyelid margin abnormalities, conjunctival hyperemia, and Meibomian Gland Loss Area (MGLA) in a sample of university students. Methods: An online survey that included an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and an extra question about hours of VDT use recruited an initial sample of 183 participants. Only 120 participants that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were scheduled for a battery of ocular surface and MG specific exam. The tests include: 1) meibometry, 2) slit lamp exploration of eyelid margin abnormalities (irregularity, hyperemia and MG orifices plugging), MG secretion quality and conjunctival hyperemia, and 3) Meibography. Results: Significant positive correlations between the MG secretion quality and eyelid margin hyperemia, MG orifices plugging, MGLA, nasal conjunctival hyperemia, and temporal conjunctival hyperemia (Spearman Rho; all r>0.186, p<0.042) were found. Multivariate regression found association between OSDI with hours of VDT use (B=0.316, p=0.007), and eyelid hyperemia (B=0.434, p≤ 0.001). A statistical association between MG secretion quality and eyelid margin hyperemia, MG orifices plugging, MGLA and conjunctival hyperemia (Fisher’s exact; all p<0.039) were found. Multivariate regression found association between MG secretion quality with MG orifices plugging (B=0.295, p=0.004) and meibometry (B=-0.001, p=0.029). Conclusion: Participants with higher values in MG secretion quality have higher values in eyelid margin hyperemia, MG plugging, MGLA, and conjunctival hyperemia. No direct relationship between MG secretion quality and hours of VDT use or OSDI were found.