Research Article
Assessment of Meibomian Gland Function and Tear Film Stability in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Rawnok Jahan Rahman*
,
Sofiqul Islam,
Masudul Hasan,
Abir Bin Sajj
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-8
Received:
15 December 2025
Accepted:
26 December 2025
Published:
20 January 2026
Abstract: Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is frequently associated with ocular surface disorders, including dry eye disease (DED) and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Chronic hyperglycemia, systemic inflammation, and autonomic neuropathy may disrupt meibomian gland morphology and tear film composition, contributing to both evaporative and aqueous-deficient dry eye. Understanding these alterations is essential for early detection and intervention in diabetic eye care. Aim: To evaluate meibomian gland function and tear film stability in patients with T2DM and compare these parameters with age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Vision Eye Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from June 2024 to May 2025. A total of 260 participants were enrolled, comprising 130 T2DM patients (diagnosed per ADA/WHO criteria) and 130 healthy controls. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board, and informed consent was taken from all participants. Data collection included structured ocular history, the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, and clinical tests such as tear break-up time (TBUT), non-invasive TBUT (NIBUT), Schirmer I test, tear meniscus height (TMH), and non-contact meibography. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0; independent t-tests and chi-square tests were applied, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: T2DM patients demonstrated significantly worse ocular surface parameters compared to controls. OSDI scores were higher in diabetics (34.6 ± 12.1 vs. 15.3 ± 7.8; p < 0.001), indicating more severe symptoms. Tear film stability was reduced, with lower TBUT (6.1 ± 2.2 s) and NIBUT (5.8 ± 2.4 s) compared to controls (10.3 ± 2.5 s and 11.2 ± 2.7 s; both p < 0.001). Aqueous tear production was impaired, reflected by lower Schirmer I values (9.4 ± 3.8 mm vs. 15.6 ± 4.2 mm; p < 0.001) and reduced TMH (0.18 ± 0.05 mm vs. 0.25 ± 0.06 mm; p < 0.001). Meiboscores were significantly higher in the diabetic group (3.7 ± 1.2 vs. 1.8 ± 0.9; p < 0.001), indicating greater gland dropout. HbA1c and duration of diabetes correlated significantly with meiboscore and tear film parameters (r = –0.41 and +0.43; p < 0.01). Conclusion: T2DM is significantly associated with both meibomian gland dysfunction and tear film abnormalities. Early ocular surface assessment in diabetic patients is recommended to detect subclinical changes and prevent visual discomfort and quality-of-life impairment.
Abstract: Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is frequently associated with ocular surface disorders, including dry eye disease (DED) and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Chronic hyperglycemia, systemic inflammation, and autonomic neuropathy may disrupt meibomian gland morphology and tear film composition, contributing to both evaporative and aqueo...
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Research Article
Pattern of Refractive Errors in Association with Strabismus Among Paediatric Patients (6-18 Years) Attending Ophthalmology Outdoors in BSMMU Hospital, Bangladesh
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
9-17
Received:
23 January 2026
Accepted:
5 February 2026
Published:
12 March 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijovs.20261101.12
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Abstract: Background: Strabismus, a common ocular disorder among children, often coexists with refractive errors. Understanding the pattern of refractive errors in pediatric patients with Strabismus is crucial for effective clinical management. Since depth perception and binocular vision develop during the first six years, early detection and correction of refractive errors are essential to appropriate care. Methods: A hospital-based, retrospective cross-sectional association study was conducted among 235 pediatric patients attending BSMMU (Jan 2021 - Dec 2022), considering demographic characteristics and strabismus type, pre-treatment and post-treatment refractive errors. Analysis was implemented with SPSS v23, and p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In this study (n=235), the mean age was 12.49±3.51 years. Refractive errors were myopia (25.5%), astigmatism (53.2%), hypermetropia (9.4%), and combined >10%. Strabismus was reported in 21.7% (31.4% esotropia, 68.6% exotropia). Myopia was higher in 12-16 years, and hypermetropia and astigmatism in 6-11 years (p<0.001). Girls had a higher prevalence of Strabismus, and boys had a higher prevalence of myopia and astigmatism. Hypermetropia showed a statistically significant association with the presence of strabismus (OR 2.8, p = 0.026), whereas myopia was less frequently observed among children with strabismus (OR = 0.39, p = 0.033). Conclusion: Nearly one-fourth of children with Strabismus were associated with refractive errors; astigmatism was the most frequently observed refractive error among children with strabismus. Regular screening, early interventions, and a holistic approach—including affordable care, parental awareness, parental education, and psychosocial support- are the key to better children's visual, educational, and social development.
Abstract: Background: Strabismus, a common ocular disorder among children, often coexists with refractive errors. Understanding the pattern of refractive errors in pediatric patients with Strabismus is crucial for effective clinical management. Since depth perception and binocular vision develop during the first six years, early detection and correction of r...
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