December 8, 2010; accepted March 23, 2011 | Kelly K. Nichols, Gary N. Foulks, Anthony J. Bron, Ben J. Glasgow, Murat Dogru, Kazuo Tsubota, Michael A. Lemp, and David A. Sullivan
The International Workshop on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) was organized by the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) to address the lack of global consensus on the definition, classification, diagnosis, and treatment of MGD. The workshop aimed to evaluate the structure and function of meibomian glands, develop a contemporary understanding of MGD, assess diagnostic methods, and provide recommendations for management and therapy. The report, completed in 2010, involved over 50 experts from around the world and was published in English and translated into multiple languages. The executive summary outlines the key conclusions and recommendations of the workshop.
MGD is a chronic, diffuse abnormality of the meibomian glands, characterized by terminal duct obstruction and/or changes in glandular secretion. It can lead to tear film alterations, eye irritation, inflammation, and dry eye. MGD is classified into two major categories based on meibomian gland secretion: low-delivery states (hyposecretory and obstructive) and high-delivery states (hypersecretory). The classification is based on pathophysiology and aims to meet the needs of both clinicians and researchers.
The meibomian glands are large sebaceous glands located in the tarsal plates of the eyelids, responsible for producing lipids that stabilize the tear film. Dysfunction is primarily due to terminal duct obstruction and thickened meibum. The pathophysiology of MGD is influenced by endogenous and exogenous factors, leading to intraglandular cystic dilatation, meibocyte atrophy, and low secretion. The outcome is reduced availability of meibum to the lid margin and tear film, resulting in increased evaporation, hyperosmolarity, and instability of the tear film.
The lipid patterns of meibum show similarities among normal individuals but differ in those with MGD. Lipid profiles in meibum differ from those in the tear film, and the absolute and relative amounts of polar lipids remain unresolved. Lipid-protein interactions in the tear film are essential for tear film stability and protection against microbial agents. The lipid layer is also important for contact lens wear, but can lead to tear film evaporation and ocular surface discomfort.
MGD shares clinical features with aqueous-deficient dry eye disease, including symptoms of ocular surface irritation and visual fluctuation. The prevalence of MGD varies widely, with higher rates in Asian populations. Risk factors include ophthalmic, systemic, and medication-related factors. The diagnosis of MGD involves a series of tests, including gland expression, meibomian gland functionality assessment, and tests for dry eye disease. A two-tiered approach is recommended for diagnosing MGD-related dry eye, distinguishing between generic dry eye and evaporative dry eye.
The management and therapy of MGD vary among eye care providers, and there is a need for a standardized treatment algorithm. The proposed treatmentThe International Workshop on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) was organized by the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) to address the lack of global consensus on the definition, classification, diagnosis, and treatment of MGD. The workshop aimed to evaluate the structure and function of meibomian glands, develop a contemporary understanding of MGD, assess diagnostic methods, and provide recommendations for management and therapy. The report, completed in 2010, involved over 50 experts from around the world and was published in English and translated into multiple languages. The executive summary outlines the key conclusions and recommendations of the workshop.
MGD is a chronic, diffuse abnormality of the meibomian glands, characterized by terminal duct obstruction and/or changes in glandular secretion. It can lead to tear film alterations, eye irritation, inflammation, and dry eye. MGD is classified into two major categories based on meibomian gland secretion: low-delivery states (hyposecretory and obstructive) and high-delivery states (hypersecretory). The classification is based on pathophysiology and aims to meet the needs of both clinicians and researchers.
The meibomian glands are large sebaceous glands located in the tarsal plates of the eyelids, responsible for producing lipids that stabilize the tear film. Dysfunction is primarily due to terminal duct obstruction and thickened meibum. The pathophysiology of MGD is influenced by endogenous and exogenous factors, leading to intraglandular cystic dilatation, meibocyte atrophy, and low secretion. The outcome is reduced availability of meibum to the lid margin and tear film, resulting in increased evaporation, hyperosmolarity, and instability of the tear film.
The lipid patterns of meibum show similarities among normal individuals but differ in those with MGD. Lipid profiles in meibum differ from those in the tear film, and the absolute and relative amounts of polar lipids remain unresolved. Lipid-protein interactions in the tear film are essential for tear film stability and protection against microbial agents. The lipid layer is also important for contact lens wear, but can lead to tear film evaporation and ocular surface discomfort.
MGD shares clinical features with aqueous-deficient dry eye disease, including symptoms of ocular surface irritation and visual fluctuation. The prevalence of MGD varies widely, with higher rates in Asian populations. Risk factors include ophthalmic, systemic, and medication-related factors. The diagnosis of MGD involves a series of tests, including gland expression, meibomian gland functionality assessment, and tests for dry eye disease. A two-tiered approach is recommended for diagnosing MGD-related dry eye, distinguishing between generic dry eye and evaporative dry eye.
The management and therapy of MGD vary among eye care providers, and there is a need for a standardized treatment algorithm. The proposed treatment