Non-invasive evaluation of meibomian gland morphology and tear film and anterior segment parameters in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

PURPOSE: To compare the meibomian glands (MG), non-invasive tear film break-up time (NITBUT), and corneal and anterior segment measurements in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and healthy women.

METHODS

The study included 66 polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients and 42 healthy volunteers aged 18-35 years. The first and average NITBUT, MG loss, mean keratometry (Km), central (CCT) and thinnest (TCT) corneal thicknesses, anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), irido-corneal angle (ICA), corneal volume (CV) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) results were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean MG loss values were 29.9 ± 11.9 and 20.8 ± 11.0 in the PCOS and control groups, respectively (p < 0.001). MG loss (meiboscale ≥ 1) was determined in 64 (96.9%) eyes in the PCOS group and in 36 (85.7%) eyes in the control group. There was no significant difference between the groups in respect of NITBUT, OSDI, Km, CCT, TCT, ACD, ACV, ICA and CV values (p > 0.05, for all).

CONCLUSION

MG loss is a physiological process which is distinct in PCOS patients, but does not cause tear film alterations. Further studies are needed to show the contributing factors of MGD in PCOS patients.