A study by researchers in the United States has found meibomian gland morphology abnormalities are common in children, with unhealthy diets, reduced outdoor activity, and high body mass index (BMI) identified as risk factors.
After assessing the eye examinations of 160 children aged between five and 18 years, the researchers – from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago – found severe meibomian gland atrophy in 31% of participants in at least one eyelid. Severe meibomian gland tortuosity was found in 84% of participants in at least one eyelid.
“Elevated body mass index (p<0.001), reduced outdoor activity (p=0.02), and unhealthy diet (p=0.01) were found to be risk factors for meibomian gland abnormalities,” the researchers said.
“Screen time, symptom score, age, gender, and race/ ethnicity were not associated with gland abnormalities (all p values >0.05).”
The study was published in Optometry and Vision Science.1
Reference
- Parikh M, Sicks LA, Pang Yi. Body mass index, diet, and outdoor activity linked with meibomian gland abnormalities in children. Optometry and Vision Science, July 16, 2024. doi: 10.1097/ OPX.0000000000002155.