You have full access to this open access article. Anecdotal evidence suggests that eyelid disorders are common, although estimates of prevalence vary. The current study determines the prevalence of eyelid disorders, meibomian gland dysfunction MGD and related diseases specifically ocular surface disease in a population of patients presenting for routine ophthalmologic consultations.
This cross-sectional epidemiologic survey evaluated patients presenting for routine ophthalmic visits. During the consultation an ophthalmologist completed a questionnaire, and each patient underwent an ophthalmic examination and completed a quality of life questionnaire.
Three hundred forty-nine ophthalmologists, recruited from 11 countries, provided data on patients. Patients were predominantly females The mean age of the study population was Eyelid disorders were diagnosed in Eyelid abnormalities were identified in MGD was diagnosed in Dry eye was diagnosed in Concurrent dry eye and MGD were present in Impact on contact lens usage, emotions and quality of sleep was also reported.
The effects on daily life were associated with the presence of MGD. Routine ophthalmologic consultations provide an opportunity to improve patient quality of life and to modify topical therapy in patients who may be predisposed to eyelid disorders. Anecdotal evidence and clinical experience suggest that eyelid disorders are common in daily clinical practice. However, multicenter international studies of prevalence are rare.
The high prevalence of MGD and associated ocular surface disorders indicates that these disorders may be underdiagnosed and the majority of routine ophthalmic patients may require assessment for ocular surface disease. Timely treatment of ocular surface disease and eyelid disorders may improve compliance with topical therapy for other ophthalmic conditions.
