Clinic-Based Study on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Japan.

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in the Japanese population.

Methods: We undertook a clinical study on the prevalence of MGD in Japan using the same diagnostic criteria as a previous population-based study conducted in Spanish Caucasians. The participants were consecutive patients scheduled for cataract surgery at Inouye Eye Hospital. All participants were aged 50 years or older. Patients completed a symptoms questionnaire and underwent a comprehensive slit-lamp examination. Meibomian gland dysfunction was diagnosed when one or more of the following was present in at least in one eye: absent, viscous, or waxy white secretion upon digital expression; presence of two or more lid margin telangiectases; and/or plugging of two or more gland orifices.

Results: The study included 510 patients (205 men and 305 women). Mean participant age was 71.1 ± 8.5 years (range, 50-93 years). The prevalences of symptomatic and total MGD (symptomatic MGD + asymptomatic MGD) were 11.2% and 74.5%, respectively. The prevalence of total MGD increased significantly as participant age increased (P < 0.0001). The ratio of males to females and the prevalence of any systemic disease did not differ between patients who were positive or negative for MGD. For the total MGD group, all slit-lamp findings were more frequent, fluorescein score was higher, tear film breakup time was shorter, and meibo-score was larger, compared to non-MGD patients.

Conclusions: Based on the present diagnostic criteria, prevalence of MGD is higher in Tokyo, compared to the Spanish population.