Abstract

Background: Meibomian gland disfunction is a common finding in glaucoma patients under topical treatment. Objective: To evaluate and analyze the Meibomian morphology in patients with different Glaucoma Topical Treatments. Methods: Cross-sectional retrospective study. 88 patients: 15 control and 73 glaucoma patients classified: a) Latanoprost-Timolol-carbonic anhydrase inhibitor b) Latanoprost-Timolol, c) Timolol, d) Latanoprost, and e) Travoprost-Timolol (Polyquad). Slit-lamp examination and OSDI® questionnaire was evaluated. Glandular number, length, thickness, tortuosity percentage and tarsal/glandular area (Meiboscore) was obtained from each Meibography. Results: Control presented the highest gland number (21.2 ± 5.3 upper and 17,3 ± 5,68 lower eyelid), longest glands (6,0 ± 0,94 mm upper and 3,2 ± 0,85 mm lower eyelid), thinnest glands (0,6 ± 0,14 mm upper and 0,8 ± 0,15 lower eyelid) and lower upper eyelid Meiboscore (63,3 ± 12,68%). Latanoprost-Timolol and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor presented the lowest tortuosity (27,1 ± 18,34% upper and 12,9 ± 13,99% lower eyelid). Latanoprost group presented the thickest glands (0,75 ± 0,10 mm upper and 0,94 ± 0,2 mm lower eyelid). The lowest Meiboscore in lower eyelid was Travoprost-Timolol (Polyquad) (59,7 ± 14,26%). Conclusions: Glaucoma Meibomian glands groups showed alterations compared to control. Polyquad showed less alterations in Meiboscore value than BAK groups, but not in all the parameters. Correlation with treatment but without cumulative preservative dose indicate another compounds effect. Upper eyelid glands seem to be affected earlier in these patients. Meibomian gland study should be considered as part of treatment decision and following in glaucoma patients.