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Eyelid Disorders Highly Prevalent in Ophthalmology Practice; Results From a Large International Epidemiological Study in Eleven Countries
Author(s) -
Doan Serge,
Zagorski Zbigniew,
Palmares Jorge,
Yagmur Meltem,
Kaercher Thomas,
Benitez Del Castillo José Manuel,
Van Dooren Bart,
Jonckheere Paul,
Jensen Pk,
Maychuk Dmitry Yurevich,
Bezditko Pavel Andreevich
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2019.5442
Subject(s) - eyelid , medicine , meibomian gland , epidemiology , blepharitis , dermatology , ophthalmology , neuro ophthalmology , abnormality , pediatrics , glaucoma , psychiatry
Purpose Anecdotal evidence suggests that eyelid disorders are common, although estimates of its prevalence vary. A cross‐sectional epidemiological survey was conducted among patients attending routine ophthalmological consultations to determine the prevalence of eyelid disorders, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and related pathologies (in particular ocular surface disease). Method During the consultation a quality of life questionnaire and a clinical examination were completed by the ophthalmologist. In eleven countries, 349 investigator ophthalmologists were recruited who provided data from 6525 patients. Results Patients were predominantly female (61.6%), mean age 57.0 ± 17.6 y. Eyelid disorders were diagnosed in 78.3% of patients and were statistically associated with atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, dry eye, age‐related macular degeneration, diabetes, cataract, allergy and MGD. Eyelid abnormalities were identified in 38.5% of patients; abnormalities of the eyelid margin in 59.8%, and abnormal meibomian gland secretion in 34.5%. Conjunctival or corneal abnormalities were observed in 64.9% and 27.9% of patients respectively. MGD was diagnosed in 54.0% of patients and was statistically significantly associated with the presence of eyelid disorders and eyelid margin abnormality. Dry eye was diagnosed in 61.2% of patients and was concomitant with MGD in most cases. Most patients reported some degree of impairment of vision and daily/work activities. These effects on daily life were associated with the presence of MGD. Impact on contact lens usage and on emotions and quality of sleep were also reported. Conclusion In conclusion, eyelid disorders were highly prevalent in this clinic population. Routine ophthalmological consultations may provide a useful opportunity to improve patients’ quality of life and to modify topical therapy where this is an aetiological factor in eyelid disorders.