Topical diquafosol for patients with obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction

AIMS To evaluate the effect of topical diquafosol in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) using tear film parameters and quantitatively analyse the meibomian gland morphology. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The subjects were 19 eyes of 10 patients diagnosed with obstructive MGD. All subjects were given 3% diquafosol ophthalmic solution with instructions to use one drop four times a day. Ocular symptoms were scored from 0 to 14. Lid margin abnormalities were scored from 0 to 4. Changes in the meibomian glands were scored using non-contact meibography (meiboscore). Superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) was scored from 0 to 3. Meibum was graded from 0 to 3. Tear film production was evaluated by Schirmer's test. Quantitative image analysis of the meibomian glands was performed using the original software. RESULTS 10 patients completed more than 4 months of therapy. Ocular symptoms, lid margin abnormalities, SPK score and meibum grade were decreased. Break-up time and tear film meniscus were increased. Mean ratio of the meibomian gland area was significantly increased after treatment (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Quantitative image analysis was useful for evaluating the morphological changes of the meibomian glands. Topical diquafosol therapy was effective for patients with obstructive MGD.