Meibomian gland morphology and tear osmolarity: Changes with accutane therapy

W. D. Mathers, W. J. Shields, M. S. Sachdev, W. M. Petroll, J. V. Jester

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

137 Scopus citations

Abstract

We evaluated the meibomian gland function of 11 patients before and during treatment with isotretinoin (Accutane) by assessing tear osmolarity, meibomian gland morphology, tear production, rose bengal staining, and meibomian gland excreta. We found, during Accutane use, that atrophic by meibography. Excreta thickness increased from 1.7 ± 0.9 to 3.1 ± 1.2 (p < 0.005), and expressible excreta volume decreased from 1.52 ± 0.68 to 1.10 ± 0.3 (p < 0.05) (scale 1-4). We also found a significant increase in tear osmolarity from 304.9 ± 11 to 316.3 ± 10 mosmol/L (p < 0.005). There was no significant change in the Schirmer test during treatment. We suggest that the clinical symptoms of blepharitis during Accutane therapy are related to decreased meibomian gland function and consequent increased tear evaporation and tear osmolarity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)286-290
Number of pages5
JournalCornea
Volume10
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1991
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology

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