Association of a novel meibomian gland dysfunction composite score with corneal nerve parameters and ocular surface symptoms in dry eye disease - Takeaways - MDSpire

Association of a novel meibomian gland dysfunction composite score with corneal nerve parameters and ocular surface symptoms in dry eye disease

  • By

  • Yao Yao

  • Zhaoxiang Xu

  • Yanhao Ma

  • Lijin Cui

  • Xiaotong Ren

  • Jian Guo

  • July 10, 2026

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  • 1

    A composite meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) score was developed, integrating gland dropout, expressibility, and meibum quality.

  • 2

    The study included 137 patients with dry eye disease, assessing correlations between MGD scores, corneal nerve parameters, and symptoms.

  • 3

    MGD composite scores positively correlated with ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores and negatively with corneal nerve fiber length.

  • 4

    Higher MGD grades were associated with shorter nerve lengths, increased microneuromas, and worse tear break-up time and corneal staining.

  • 5

    Corneal nerve length significantly mediates the relationship between MGD signs and subjective symptoms in patients with dry eye disease.

Original Source(s)

Association of a novel meibomian gland dysfunction composite score with corneal nerve parameters and ocular surface symptoms in dry eye disease

  • by Yao Yao, Zhaoxiang Xu, Yanhao Ma, Lijin Cui, Xiaotong Ren, Jian Guo

  • July 10, 2026

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