Loss of Meibomian Glands in Diabetic Patients Linked with Dry Eyes

Loss of meibomian glands in individuals with diabetes may be associated with dry eye symptoms, according to a presentation at the virtual Endocrine Society Annual Meeting.

In the study, researchers analyzed infrared imaging of eyelids from 60 patients with dry eyes and diabetes and 60 patients with dry eyes and without diabetes. They found that patients with diabetes had a greater loss of meibomian glands compared with those without diabetes (51.54% vs 11.29%). A high level of A1C was also associated with more meibomian gland loss.

“Loss of meibomian glands may suggest a need for HbA1c testing and further monitoring of

the patient’s diabetic condition. Infrared imaging of the eyelid may be useful in characterizing dry eye in diabetic patients,” the study authors concluded.

Read the full study data here.