Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Dermatological Perspective on Pathogenesis and Treatment Outlook

Overview

Journal Clin Ophthalmol

Publisher Dove Medical Press

Specialty Ophthalmology

Date 2021 Nov 17

PMID 34785886

Citations 7

Authors

Preeya K Gupta

Laura M Periman

Edward Lain

Eric Donnenfeld

John Hovanesian

Terry Kim

William Trattler

Elizabeth Yeu

Edward Holland

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Meibomian glands are modified oil-producing glands that produce meibum and can become dysfunctional and negatively affect the lipid layer in the tear film, resulting in ocular surface diseases such as evaporative dry eye. Abnormal keratin production and aggregation at the meibomian gland orifice has been implicated in the pathogenesis of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Current treatments largely ignore the role of keratin proteins. This review paper synthesizes various publications on hyperkeratinization and its role in MGD pathogenesis and proposes a novel treatment strategy for MGD that involves the use of keratolytic agents commonly used in dermatological treatments.

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