A Comprehensive Analysis of Meibomian Gland Function, Corneal Sensitivity, and Tear Parameters in Early-Stage Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND

Dry eye in Parkinson's disease (PD) has been studied, but meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) has not yet been assessed using meibography, and corneal sensitivity data remain limited.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to analyze ocular surface parameters in newly diagnosed PD patients, evaluate MGD using meibography and corneal sensitivity using esthesiometry, and compare with the control group.

METHODS

This cross-sectional clinical study included 44 newly diagnosed PD patients and a control group of 44 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. Clinical staging of PD patients was performed according to the modified Hoehn-Yahr Scale. Patients with early stages such as stages 1, 1.5, and 2 were included in the study. Ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, Schirmer test, tear meniscus height (TMH), noninvasive tear breakup time (NITBUT), meibography staging, degree of conjunctival redness using Keratograph 5 M (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany), and corneal sensitivity measurements using Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer (Cochet-Bonnet, Luneau, France) were performed in the patient and control groups.

RESULTS

The Schirmer test, TMH, NITBUT, and corneal sensitivity results were significantly lower in the PD group than in the control group (P < 0.001, P = 0.028, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). Meanwhile, the OSDI score, degree of conjunctival redness, and total meiboscore results were significantly higher in the PD group than in the control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

There were significant differences in meibomian gland morphology, tear parameters, and corneal sensitivity between newly diagnosed treatment-naive PD patients and healthy individuals. These patients should be monitored for early ocular surface damage and MGD.