Fast Infrared Meibography (Photography)

Infrared meibography is a useful technique in the evaluation of meibomian gland disease (MGD). MGD is a major cause of dry eye symptoms, affecting a large number of patients seen in the Corneo-Plastic Unit (CPU). Many parameters have been used to evaluate MGD including tear film break-up time, lid margin abnormalities, and Schirmer tear test values. Direct visualization of meibomian glands by infrared meibography has been shown to correlate well with these parameters. Although infrared meibography was developed more than 30 years ago, it is not widely used. This has probably been due to the need for special equipment, examiner time and expertise and patient discomfort during the examination. Analysis of the acquired images also needed to be from video review with extraction of video stills - a time-consuming process. Investigators aim to pilot a rapid non-contact (non-painful) method of obtaining infrared images of meibomian glands using equipment already available at QVH. This pilot study will validate the technique and check patient acceptability. Investigators are hopeful this test could be used as a useful tool for future research into dry eye conditions and MGD.