Contact lens wearers, especially those who have worn lenses long-term, may be at increased risk for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), reports a study in the September 2015 Cornea. Researchers evaluated the meibomian gland health of 41 daily soft lens wearers vs. 31 age-matched non-lens wearers, using measurements of meibum expressivity and lid margin abnormality. Ultimately, the study conceded an incomplete understanding of the causative nature of the relationship, but found that contact lens use is responsible for early MGD and that wearers often do not exhibit symptoms severe enough to warrant a typical clinical exam. They hope that more routine examinations of lens wearers can reveal signs of MGD, which can be resolved using prophylactic modalities.
1. Machalińska A, Zakrzewska A, Adamek B, et al. Comparison of morphological and functional meibomian gland characteristics between daily contact lens wearers and nonwearers. Cornea. 2015 Sep;34(9):1098-104.