Case Study Report: Clinical Findings and Management of the Patient with Evaporative Dry Eye Due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Abstract

ABSTRACT Oulu University of Applied Sciences Master of Health Care, Clinical Optometry

Author: Timo Juurinen Title of the thesis: Case Study Report – Clinical Findings and Management on the Patient with Evaporative Dry Eye due to the Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Supervisors: Dr. Robert Andersson and Tuomas Juustila Term and year of thesis completion: Fall term 2022 Pages: 52 + 5 appendices

PURPOSE

This case study report aims to describe the assessment and symptom-based management of an evaporative dry eye patient and to discuss this using evidence-based literature. Two measurements and different managements were used for the case study patient with evaporative dry eye.

METHODS

This case study report included the clinical assessment and management of a 62-year-old Caucasian female who came to a private clinic for a dry eye examination on the 11th of February, 2022. The dry eye examination included a comprehensive eye examination and measurements using Oculus Keratograph 5M with Jenvis Pro Dry Eye Report. Topcon Myah measurements were made before IPL therapy, and EyeLight IPL was given according to the private clinic's protocol. After IPL measurements, the Rexon Eye dry eye therapy was given according to the manufacturer's protocol. IRB approval was not needed in this case study. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for the case study.

RESULTS

The following clinical differences were achieved in seven months: redness values improvement, topography values and tear meniscus height values showed no significant change, and meibography showed a slight improvement on both lids. Slit lamp examination with fluorescein staining showed slight improvement objectively on the FBUT; similar results showed the K5M values.

CONCLUSION

Dry eye disease patients feel their symptoms differently. It is essential to assess the problem and treat the correct cause adequately. The imaging tools are good assistants for evaluations and follow-ups. However, according to DEWS II, the three necessary tests in the dry eye assessment are the osmolarity, NIBUT, and staining tests with the slit lamp examination. Artificial tear drops are a handy tool to treat dry eye symptoms. However, the proper treatment can have extended-lasting benefits for dry eye patients.

Keywords: dry eye disease, meibomian gland dysfunction, DEWS II, quality of life, DED treatment.