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Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in A Refractive Surgery Patient: A Chronological Timeline

Shilpa Rose, MD; Elizabeth Yeu, MD

Case 1

A 61-year-old woman who was a previously practicing optometrist presented for cataract surgery and expressed interest in a TECNIS SYMFONY IOL.* Casey Claypool, OD, at Empire Eye Physicians examined her 1 month prior and noted an overall 2+ meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) characterized by 1+ telangiectasis of the lid margins, poor expressibility of the meibum, and 2+ turbidity of the meibum. An incomplete blink and an average lipid layer thickness of 100 nm was noted on LIPIVIEW II* reports. Dynamic Meibomian Imaging demonstrated minimal gland loss, with mild truncation, but overall decent meibomian gland architecture. At this time, she reported minor dry eye symptoms, including visual fluctuations and a significant increase in symptoms in the morning that persisted until she instilled artificial tears. Treatment with vectored thermal pulsation therapy was performed. After the LIPIFLOW* treatment, the patient noted a reduced reliance on artificial tears and that her morning dry eye symptoms were much improved. Seven weeks later, she presented to me for cataract surgery and preoperative testing showed a 1.00 D shift in IOL recommendation compared with biometry measurements taken 3 months prior. Ultimately, a +22.50 D TECNIS SYMFONY* was selected. At 1 day postoperative, the patient's VA was 20/20 at both distance and near and 20/16 at intermediate range.

Elizabeth Yeu, MD

  • - Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
  • - Partner, Virginia Eye Consultants, Norfolk, Virginia
  • - Financial disclosure: Consultant (Johnson & Johnson Vision)

Case 2

A 33-year-old male accountant presented for a LASIK consultation with symptoms of itching, burning, and tearing with fluctuations in vision depending on the time of day. In the past 10 years, contact lens intolerance prevented him from wearing contact lenses while at work given his extended use of computers during the day, and glasses proved cumbersome and limiting during recreational activities. This patient had sought laser vision correction in the past at several other practices and was deemed a “non-candidate” because of his dry eyes. His symptoms had not improved significantly with preservative-free artificial tears, immunomodulators, punctal occlusion, or a previous trial of amniotic membrane.

Examination of the lid margins showed meibomian gland inspissation, mild telangiectasia, and capped glands. Meibomian gland expression revealed turbidity in the meibum. Lid eversion showed mild bilateral upper and lower lid papillary reaction. Slit-lamp examination showed conjunctival perilimbal staining, dense superficial punctate keratitis and mild conjunctival erythema. Early evidence of gland atrophy was noted on LIPISCAN images while HD Analyzer showed high Ocular Scatter Index Scores, 1.58 ± 0.52 with evidence of an unhealthy tear film and quick breakup time. The patient elected vectored thermal pulsation therapy and noted an increase in tear production and a decrease in light sensitivity, as well as an increase in duration of comfortable contact lens wear time. Examination revealed a marked decrease in conjunctival and corneal staining and improvement in gland fuction. A repeat HD Analyzer was performed with a reduction in OSI, 0.74 ± 0.07, as well as a stable, flat tear film. After 3 months of being relatively symptom free, the patient elected to undergo laser vision correction. On day 1 postop his visual acuity was 20/15 OU and there was no evidence of SPK noted at week 1 postop. One year after the surgery and LIPIFLOW treatment this patient is 20/15 with no recurrence of dry eye signs and symptoms. Repeat LIPISCAN showed no evidence of further meibomian gland atrophy.

Shilpa Rose Author Photo

Shilpa Rose, MD

  • - Whitten Laser Eye, Chevy Chase, Maryland
  • - Financial disclosure: Consultant (Johnson & Johnson Vision)

Case 1

Details

  • - A 61-year-old woman
  • - Minor dry eye symptoms, most prominent in the morning
  • - Desires an extended depth of focus IOL

Week 1

Case 2

Details

  • - 33-year-old Caucasian male accountant
  • - Difficulty tolerating contact lenses for the past 10 years
  • - Desires laser vision correction

Exam Findings

  • - 1+ telangiectasia, good contour of inferior lid margin observed through slit lamp exam
  • - Examination with MEIBOMIAN GLAND EVALUATOR showed poor expressibility of the meibum inferiorly
  • - 2+ turbidity of meibum observed through manual gland expression

IOL Recommendation: +23.50 D

LIPIVIEW II Dynamic Meibomian Imaging
LIPIVIEW II Lipid Imaging Report
case 1 lipiview report

Click to view larger

Average LLT: 100 nm

case 1 week 1 blink report

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Blink Report: Shows 15 partial blinks out of 15 blinks

Exam Findings

  • - Lid margins showed meibomian gland inspissation, mild telangiectasia and capped glands.
  • - Eversion of the lids showed mild bilateral upper and lower lid papillary reaction.
  • - Meibomian gland expression revealed turbidity in the meibum.
  • - Conjunctival perilimbal staining, dense superficial punctate keratitis and mild conjunctival erythema.
  • - Topography showed normal corneal thickness. Scans did show irregularity in the surface which improved with artificial tears and blinking.
  • - Best corrected visual acuity of 20/25 OU
  • - Manifest Refraction: OD: -2.75 +1.25 X 043; OS: -2.25 +1.75 X 130
LIPISCAN
Week 1 lipiscan

Click to view larger

Early evidence of gland atrophy nasally in both lower lids.

HD Analyzer

Mean OSI: 1.58 ± 0.52 OSI Evolution With Time

case 1 week 1 blink report

Click to view larger

High Ocular Scatter Index Scores

LIPIFLOW TREATMENT (OU)

3 days later

Weeks 1-6

To supplement his treatment, he was prescribed Lotemax gel .05% (Bausch + Lomb) bid for one week, along with Omega 3 supplementation.

Week 6

Exam Findings

  • - Decrease in conjunctival and corneal staining.
  • - Improvement in gland fuction.
  • - Patient noted an increase in tear production and a decrease in his light sensitivity. His long day of computer use was more tolerable with much less blinking.
Repeat HD Analyzer

Mean OSI: 0.74 ± 0.07 OSI Evolution With Time

lipiflow screen

Click to view larger

Reduction in OSI as well as a stable, flat tear film.

Weeks 6-19

Patient was able to comfortably wear contact lensese for an extended amount of time.

Week 7

LIPIFLOW TREATMENT (OU)

Week 8

Patient reported a reduction in dry eye symptoms including reduced drop usage, and reduced burning of the eyes in the morning.

Week 14

Placido Image
case 1 week 14 placido

Click to view larger

Average K's = 38.76

Topography
case 1 week 14 top

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Average K's = 38.76

Barrett IOL Formula

Recommendation: +22.5 D

This new IOL recommendations is +1.00 D less (original +23.5 D) from measurements prior to MGD treatment

A TECNIS SYMFONY* +22.50 D lens was selected.

Cataract Surgery (OU)

Intraoperative

1-Day Postoperative Exam

  • Manifest Rx: plano to -0.25
  • Distance UCVA 20/20
  • Intermediate UCVA 20/16
  • Near UCVA 20/20

Week 16

2-Week Postoperative Exam

  • Manifest Rx: plano to -0.25
  • Distance UCVA 20/20-
  • Near UCVA 20/20

Had we used the original IOL, the patient would have ended up with ~-0.75 D myopic refractive error postoperatively.

Patient is scheduled to get a TECNIS SYMFONY lens in the second eye in four months.

Week 19

Lasik Surgery (OU)

1-Day Postperative Exam

  • - Visual acuity was 20/15 OU

Week 20

1-week Postperative Exam

  • - No evidence of SPK.

Month 16

1-year After Treatment

This patient is 20/15 with no recurrence of dry eye signs and symptoms.

Repeat LIPISCAN

Click to view larger

Meibography showed no evidence of further meibomian gland atrophy.

"Tear film stability is essential to high quality measurements for cataract surgery. Effective management of MGD helps to improve meibomian gland function and stabilize the tear film. Management of ocular surface health preoperatively can support improved accuracy of refractive outcomes postoperatively."

- Elizabeth Yeu, MD

"Once his MGD was treated with LIPIFLOW, he was able to enjoy options that were not previously available to him: contact lenses and LASIK. Once deemed to be too dry for LASIK, he became an excellent candidate for laser vision correction and is now enjoying his enjoying his spectacle-independent life."

- Shilpa Rose, MD

Case 2

A 33-year-old male accountant presented for a LASIK consultation with symptoms of itching, burning, and tearing with fluctuations in vision depending on the time of day. In the past 10 years, contact lens intolerance prevented him from wearing contact lenses while at work given his extended use of computers during the day, and glasses proved cumbersome and limiting during recreational activities. This patient had sought laser vision correction in the past at several other practices and was deemed a “non-candidate” because of his dry eyes. His symptoms had not improved significantly with preservative-free artificial tears, immunomodulators, punctal occlusion, or a previous trial of amniotic membrane.

Examination of the lid margins showed meibomian gland inspissation, mild telangiectasia, and capped glands. Meibomian gland expression revealed turbidity in the meibum. Lid eversion showed mild bilateral upper and lower lid papillary reaction. Slit-lamp examination showed conjunctival perilimbal staining, dense superficial punctate keratitis and mild conjunctival erythema. Early evidence of gland atrophy was noted on LIPISCAN images while HD Analyzer showed high Ocular Scatter Index Scores, 1.58 ± 0.52 with evidence of an unhealthy tear film and quick breakup time. The patient elected vectored thermal pulsation therapy and noted an increase in tear production and a decrease in light sensitivity, as well as an increase in duration of comfortable contact lens wear time. Examination revealed a marked decrease in conjunctival and corneal staining and improvement in gland fuction. A repeat HD Analyzer was performed with a reduction in OSI, 0.74 ± 0.07, as well as a stable, flat tear film. After 3 months of being relatively symptom free, the patient elected to undergo laser vision correction. On day 1 postop his visual acuity was 20/15 OU and there was no evidence of SPK noted at week 1 postop. One year after the surgery and LIPIFLOW treatment this patient is 20/15 with no recurrence of dry eye signs and symptoms. Repeat LIPISCAN showed no evidence of further meibomian gland atrophy.

Shilpa Rose Headshot

Shilpa Rose, MD

  • - Whitten Laser Eye, Chevy Chase, Maryland
  • - Financial disclosure: Consultant (Johnson & Johnson Vision)

Case 2

Details

  • - 33-year-old Caucasian male accountant
  • - Difficulty tolerating contact lenses for the past 10 years
  • - Desires laser vision correction

Week 1

Exam Findings

  • - Lid margins showed meibomian gland inspissation, mild telangiectasia and capped glands.
  • - Eversion of the lids showed mild bilateral upper and lower lid papillary reaction.
  • - Meibomian gland expression revealed turbidity in the meibum.
  • - Conjunctival perilimbal staining, dense superficial punctate keratitis and mild conjunctival erythema.
  • - Topography showed normal corneal thickness. Scans did show irregularity in the surface which improved with artificial tears and blinking.
  • - Best corrected visual acuity of 20/25 OU
  • - Manifest Refraction: OD: -2.75 +1.25 X 043; OS: -2.25 +1.75 X 130
LIPISCAN
Week 1 lipiscan

Click to view larger

Early evidence of gland atrophy nasally in both lower lids.

HD Analyzer

Mean OSI: 1.58 ± 0.52 OSI Evolution With Time

case 1 week 1 blink report

Click to view larger

High Ocular Scatter Index Scores

LIPIFLOW TREATMENT (OU)

3 days later

Weeks 1-6

To supplement his treatment, he was prescribed Lotemax gel .05% (Bausch + Lomb) bid for one week, along with Omega 3 supplementation.

Week 6

Exam Findings

  • - Decrease in conjunctival and corneal staining.
  • - Improvement in gland fuction.
  • - Patient noted an increase in tear production and a decrease in his light sensitivity. His long day of computer use was more tolerable with much less blinking.
Repeat HD Analyzer

Mean OSI: 0.74 ± 0.07 OSI Evolution With Time

lipiflow screen

Click to view larger

Reduction in OSI as well as a stable, flat tear film.

Weeks 6-19

Patient was able to comfortably wear contact lensese for an extended amount of time.

Week 19

Lasik Surgery (OU)

1-Day Postperative Exam

  • - Visual acuity was 20/15 OU

Week 20

1-week Postperative Exam

  • - No evidence of SPK.

Month 16

1-year After Treatment

This patient is 20/15 with no recurrence of dry eye signs and symptoms.

Repeat LIPISCAN

Click to view larger

Meibography showed no evidence of further meibomian gland atrophy.

"Once his MGD was treated with LIPIFLOW, he was able to enjoy options that were not previously available to him: contact lenses and LASIK. Once deemed to be too dry for LASIK, he became an excellent candidate for laser vision correction and is now enjoying his enjoying his spectacle-independent life."

- Shilpa Rose, MD

  • *LIPIFLOW, LIPIVIEW, and MEIBOMIAN GLAND EVALUATOR are trademarks of TearScience, Inc. TECNIS SYMFONY is a trademark of Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc.
  • ® Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc. 2019
  • All other trademarks are the intellectual property of their respective owners

The patient in this case is employed by Johnson & Johnson Vision.

PP2019TS4278

Johnson & Johnson Logo
LipiFlow Logo
LipiView Logo
LipiScan Logo

INDICATIONS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for LIPIFLOW® Thermal Pulsation System

Rx Only

INDICATIONS

The LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation System is intended for the application of localized heat and pressure therapy in adult patients with chronic cystic conditions of the eyelids, including meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), also known as evaporative dry eye or lipid deficiency dry eye.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Do not use the LipiFlow® System in patients with the following conditions. Use of the device in patients with these conditions may cause injury. Safety and effectiveness of the device have not been studied in patients with these conditions.

  • • Ocular surgery within prior 3 months, including intraocular, oculo-plastic, corneal or refractive surgery procedure
  • • Ocular injury within prior 3 months
  • • Ocular herpes of eye or eyelid within prior 3 months
  • • Active ocular infection
  • • Active ocular inflammation or history of chronic, recurrent ocular inflammation within prior 3 months
  • • Eyelid abnormalities that affect lid function
  • • Ocular surface abnormality that may compromise corneal integrity

PRECAUTIONS

The Activator or Activator II (Disposable) may not fit all eyes, such as eyes with small palpebral fornices

Use of the LipiFlow® System in patients with the following conditions may result in reduced treatment effectiveness because these conditions may cause ocular symptoms unrelated to cystic meibomian glands and require other medical management. Safety and effectiveness of the device have not been studied in patients with these conditions.

  • • Moderate to severe (Grade 2-4) allergic, vernal or giant papillary conjunctivitis
  • • Severe (Grade 3 or 4) eyelid inflammation. Patients with severe eyelid inflammation should be treated medically prior to device use.
  • • Systemic disease conditions that cause dry eye
  • • Taking medications known to cause dryness
  • • Esthetic eyelid and eyelash procedures

In addition, the treatment procedure may loosen previously inserted punctal plugs, which may worsen the patient’s dry eye symptoms.

ADVERSE EFFECTS

Potential adverse effects that may occur as a result of the procedure include, but are not limited to, the onset or increase in:

  • • Eyelid/eye pain requiring discontinuation of the treatment procedure;
  • • Eyelid irritation or inflammation;
  • • Ocular surface irritation or inflammation; and
  • • Ocular symptoms (e.g., burning, stinging, tearing, itching, discharge, redness, foreign body sensation, visual disturbance, sensitivity to light).

Potential serious adverse events (defined as permanent impairment or damage to a body structure or function or necessitates medical or surgical intervention to preclude permanent impairment or damage to a body structure or function) that are not anticipated because of the device mitigations to prevent occurrence include:

  • • Thermal injury to the eyelid or eye, including conjunctiva, cornea or lens;
  • • Physical pressure-induced injury to the eyelid; and
  • • Ocular surface (corneal) infection.

ATTENTION

Reference the LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System Instructions for Use for a complete listing of indications, warnings, and precautions.

INDICATIONS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for LIPIVIEW® II Ocular Surface Interferometer

Rx Only

INDICATIONS

The LipiView II Ocular Surface Interferometer is an ophthalmic imaging device that is intended for use by a physician in adult patients to capture, archive, manipulate and store digital images of:

  • • Specular (interferometric) observations of the tear film. Using these images, LipiView II measures the absolute thickness of the tear film lipid layer.
  • • Meibomian glands under near-infrared (NIR) illumination.
  • • The ocular surface and eyelids under white illumination.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Contraindications are conditions in which the device should not be used because the risk of use clearly outweighs any benefit. No contraindications have been identified for LipiView II.

PRECAUTIONS

The following patient conditions may affect the interferometry assessment of a patient’s tear film using LipiView II:

  • • Use of ophthalmic drops such as artificial tear lubricants, ointments, and medications. Advise patients not not instill oil-based ophthalmic drops (e.g., Soothe ®, Restasis®, Systane Balance®) for at least 12 hours prior to device use and not to instill ointments for at least 24 hours prior to device use. Wait at least four (4) hours after the instillation of all other ophthalmic drops prior to device use.
  • • Soft or rigid contact lens wear. Advise patients to remove contact lenses at least four hours prior to device use.
  • • Use of oil-based facial cosmetics around the eye.
  • • Eye rubbing.
  • • Recent swimming in a chlorinated pool. Advise patients to not to swim for at least 12 hours prior to device use.
  • • Any ocular surface condition that affects the stability of the tear film. These conditions include disease, dystrophy, trauma, scarring, surgery, or abnormality.

ADVERSE EFFECTS

There are no known or anticipated adverse effects associated with use of this device.

ATTENTION

Reference the LipiView II Ocular Surface Interferometer Instructions for Use for a complete listing of indications, warnings, and precautions.

INDICATIONS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for LIPISCAN™ Dynamic Meibomian Imager

Rx Only

Indications

LipiScan™ Dynamic Meibomian Imager (DMI) is an ophthalmic imaging device intended for use by a physician in adult patients to capture, archive, manipulate and store digital images of the meibomian glands.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

No contraindications have been identified for the LipiScan™.

PRECAUTIONS

Caution: Disinfect the surfaces of the chin rest, forehead rest and Handheld Near Infrared (IR) Lid Everter with isopropyl alcohol immediately prior to use and prior to storage to prevent cross-contamination and patient infection.

ADVERSE EFFECTS

There are no known or anticipated adverse effects associated with use of this device.

ATTENTION

Reference the LipiScan Dynamic Meibomian Imager Instructions for Use for a complete listing of indications, warnings, and precautions.

INDICATIONS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for the MEIBOMIAN GLAND EVALUATOR

INDICATIONS FOR USE

The Meibomian Gland Evaluator is a hand held instrument used by a physician to evaluate Meibomian gland secretions in adult patients during a routine eye examination. The instrument provides a standardized method to apply consistent, gentle pressure to the outer skin of the lower eyelid while visualizing the secretions from the Meibomian gland orifices through a slit lamp biomicroscope.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

No contraindications are known.

PRECAUTIONS

  • • Do not depress the shaft to the endpoint of the spring. Do not apply any additional force after the shaft has been depressed approximately 6 mm. Applying additional force negates the benefit of using the instrument to apply standard force.
  • • Familiarity with use of a slit lamp biomicroscope is required to use Meibomian Gland Evaluator for assessment of the meibomian gland secretions.

POTENTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS

Potential adverse effects that are unlikely but may occur with use of the Meibomian Gland Evaluator include but are not limited to:

  • • Skin abrasion (e.g., from a rough surface on the device)
  • • Eye abrasion (e.g., from improper contact of the instrument with the eye)
  • • Infection of the skin or eye (e.g., from improper or lack of disinfection after use and between patients)
  • • Allergic or toxic reaction (e.g., from exposure to any residue on device during user handling)

ATTENTION

Reference the Meibomian Gland Evaluator Package Insert for a complete listing of indications, warnings, and precautions.

INDICATIONS and IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for TECNIS Symfony EXTENDED RANGE OF VISION IOLs

Rx Only

INDICATIONS FOR USE

The TECNIS Symfony Extended Range of Vision IOL, Model ZXR00, is indicated for primary implantation for the visual correction of aphakia, in adult patients with less than 1 diopter of pre-existing corneal astigmatism, in whom a cataractous lens has been removed. The lens mitigates the effects of presbyopia by providing an extended depth of focus. Compared to an aspheric monofocal IOL, the lens provides improved intermediate and near visual acuity, while maintaining comparable distance visual acuity. The Model ZXR00 IOL is intended for capsular bag placement only.

WARNINGS

Patients with any of the conditions described in the Directions for Use may not be suitable candidates for an intraocular lens because the lens may exacerbate an existing condition, may interfere with diagnosis or treatment of a condition, or may pose an unreasonable risk to the patient’s eyesight. Lenses should not be placed in the ciliary sulcus. May cause a reduction in contrast sensitivity under certain conditions, compared to an aspheric monofocal IOL; fully inform the patient of this risk before implanting the lens. Special consideration should be made in patients with macular disease, amblyopia, corneal irregularities, or other ocular disease. Inform patients to exercise special caution when driving at night or in poor visibility conditions. Some visual effects may be expected due to the lens design, including: a perception of halos, glare, or starbursts around lights under nighttime conditions. These will be bothersome or very bothersome in some people, particularly in low-illumination conditions, and on rare occasions, may be significant enough that the patient may request removal of the IOL.

PRECAUTIONS

Interpret results with caution when refracting using autorefractors or wavefront aberrometers that utilize infrared light, or when performing a duochrome test. Confirmation of refraction with maximum plus manifest refraction technique is recommended. The ability to perform some eye treatments (e.g. retinal photocoagulation) may be affected by the optical design. Target emmetropia for optimum visual performance. Care should be taken to achieve IOL centration, as lens decentration may result in a patient experiencing visual disturbances under certain lighting conditions.

SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENTS

The most frequently reported serious adverse events that occurred during the clinical trial of the TECNIS Symfony lens were cystoid macular edema (2 eyes, 0.7%) and surgical reintervention (treatment injections for cystoid macular edema and endophthalmitis, 2 eyes, 0.7%). No lens-related adverse events occurred during the trial.

ATTENTION:

Reference the Directions for Use for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information