Asymptomatic Meibomian Gland Characteristics
January 14, 2026
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3 min
7 Key Takeaways
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1
MGD can progress asymptomatically.
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2
71% of participants showed gland dropout.
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3
High rates of lid margin abnormalities were observed.
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4
Conserved tear function despite gland changes.
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5
Proactive screening for middle-aged adults is recommended.
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6
Absence of symptoms doesn't equal absence of disease.
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7
Early intervention may delay dry eye progression.
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) may progress without noticeable symptoms, as shown in a study from Mahidol University. Evaluating 60 asymptomatic adults aged 31-60, researchers found high rates of meibomian gland abnormalities; 71% showed upper eyelid gland dropout. Despite normal tear function, significant lid margin abnormalities like telangiectasia (82%) and gland plugging (84%) were present. These findings suggest a need for proactive screening to detect early stages of MGD and potentially prevent future dry eye complications.
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