Abstract

Pterygium is reportedly a very common disease in an ophthalmology clinic which is usually characterised by the benign proliferation of the local conjunctiva that often bypasses the corneal limber and further extends into the corneal surface. Therefore this study is inclined towards assessing the meibomian gland abnormalities and evaluating the tear function in patients with pterygium. Materials and Methodology: After seeking permission from the ethical committee of Chintpurni Medical College Pathankot, the study was conducted among fifty patients and prior informed written consent is duly obtained from all the study participants. The grades ranging from 0-4 where in 0 indicated normal viscosity and 4 being indicated as no expression. The meibum expression were ranged from completely blocked or absent and present. Tear film instability was duly measured by monitoring the break up time (BUT). Results: The mean ocular surface disease index (OSDI) of those patients affected with pterygium was 14.4 ± 5.6 which was observably higher than that of the normal eyelids (9.7±4.4) as tabulated in table – 1. No detectable changes were noted in lid margin abnormality among both the groups. Conclusion: The results obtained revealed increased abnormality of the meibomian gland structure and its function and the relation between MGD, ocular discomfort and associated instability of the tear film. Therefore MGD might play a critical role in the development of the tear film instability.

Description