[Correlation of the presence of meibomian gland dysfunction with the incidence of superficial punctate keratopathy after penetrating keratoplasty].

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To examine the correlation of the presence of meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD) with the incidence of superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) after penetrating keratoplasty. SUBJECTS & METHODS: We studied 151 eyes of 141 patients that underwent penetrating keratoplasty. SPK and the presence of MGD were evaluated by slit-lamp examination. Tear function was evaluated by Schirmer test. RESULTS: Among 151 eyes investigated, 78 eyes had neither MGD nor hypolacrimation. The number of eyes with MGD only, with hypolacrimation only, or with both MGD and hypolacrimation was 34, 23, and 16. The presence of SPK after penetrating keratoplasty was correlated with the presence of MGD 1 month or 6 months post-surgery, but no correlation was observed with the presence of hypolacrimation. There was no interaction between the presence of MGD and hypolacrimation and the incidence of SPK. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that the active treatment of MGD is important in the post-surgery management of SPK.