Asymptomatic Meibomian Gland Characteristics - Takeaways - MDSpire

Asymptomatic Meibomian Gland Characteristics

Silent gland failure: what do asymptomatic adults reveal about subclinical MGD?

January 14, 2026
3 min

The Ophthalmologist

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1

A study from Mahidol University found high rates of meibomian gland abnormalities in asymptomatic adults with a DEQS score ≤14.
2

71% of upper eyelids and 51% of lower eyelids in participants showed meiboscore ≥1, indicating measurable gland dropout.
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Despite gland changes, overall tear function was preserved, with median fluorescein tear breakup time at 5.04 seconds.
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Significant age-related differences were observed in the Schirmer I test, indicating early functional decline.
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The study suggests proactive screening for MGD in asymptomatic individuals to prevent future evaporative dry eye.

Original Source(s)

The Ophthalmologist

Asymptomatic Meibomian Gland Characteristics

January 14, 2026

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