Asymptomatic Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Refractive Surgery Candidates.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between asymptomatic meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and preoperative clinical parameters in candidates for refractive surgery.

METHODS

This retrospective case-control study was conducted at Care Vision Laser Center, Tel Aviv, Israel. A total of 3,472 eyes that underwent evaluation and subsequently proceeded to keratorefractive surgery between January 2019 and December 2024 were included. All eyes had normal tear break-up time (TBUT) and no dry eye symptoms. MGD severity was graded clinically (0 to 3) by a single examiner and categorized as low (grades 0 to 1) or high (grades 2 to 3). Preoperative parameters were compared using univariate analyses, and variables reaching significance were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression to identify independent associations with high MGD. A subgroup analysis of eyes with available low-contrast acuity (CA6%) measurements was performed to assess functional visual differences.

RESULTS

High MGD was identified in 1,731 eyes (49.9%), whereas 1,741 eyes (50.1%) were classified as low MGD. High MGD eyes were significantly older (P < .001), more likely to wear contact lenses (P < .001), and demonstrated higher myopia (P < .001), thinner pachymetry (P < .001), steeper keratometry (P ⩽ .001), and worse preoperative UDVA and CDVA (both P < .001). In the CA6% subgroup (n = 1,602), contrast acuity was significantly reduced in the high MGD group (P = .007). Multivariate analysis identified independent associations between high MGD severity and older age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.063; P < .001), contact lens wear (OR: 1.424; P < .001), thinner corneas (OR: 0.995/µm; P < .001), higher myopia (OR: 0.851/diopter; P < .001), and reduced CDVA (OR: 25.933; P = .022).

CONCLUSIONS

Asymptomatic MGD in refractive surgery candidates is independently associated with older age, contact lens wear, higher myopia, thinner corneas, and reduced visual performance. Routine MGD screening is recommended even in asymptomatic patients undergoing preoperative refractive evaluation.