Effect of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors on the Meibomian Gland Morphology in Patients With Meibomitis

Effect of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors on the Meibomian Gland Morphology in Patients With Meibomitis

This study intends to evaluate the relationship between meibomitis and statin use. Meibomitis is the predominant cause of evaporative dry eye. Higher cholesterol levels were noted in patients with meibomitis when compared to controls without meibomitis. We would like to investigate the effect of statin use on meibomitis among patients with dyslipidemia.

The purpose of our study is to assess the change of meibomian gland structure in patients during treatment with 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors using meibography. Patients with dyslipidemia with or without HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) treatment were recruited. Medical records are collected prospectively from Dec. 8th 2016 to Dec. 31st 2019. Meibomian gland (MG) morphology described by meiboscores, lid margin abnormality scores, meibum quality, and dry eye parameters were compared between the two groups. This study may also provide information about possible treatment options in patients with meibomitis in the future.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients with regular HMGCR inhibitor (statin) treatment, and those with recently diagnosed dyslipidemia who were eligible to undergo 3 to 6 months of lifestyle interventions before re-evaluation for starting statin therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients with active eye infection, previous history of chemical or thermal injury to ocular surface, previous operation history of eyelid or conjunctiva, any known allergy or contraindications to statins, history of percutaneous coronary intervention, cerevascular accident, acute coronary syndrome, or rheumatological diseases, fish oil supplements or pregnancy were excluded