How to assess and manage meibomian gland dysfunction induced evaporative dry eye patient in regular optical store: integrative literature review
Loukkola, Eliisa (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024120633555
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024120633555
Tiivistelmä
Background:
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a prevalent eye condition, particularly among older adults, and is the leading cause of evaporative dry eye disease (EDED), the most common form of dry eye disease (DED). As Finland's population ages, the occurrence of MGD-induced EDED is likely to increase. Recently specialized dry eye clinics have been established in major Finnish cities. However, optometrists in general optical stores are often the first to encounter MGD-induced EDED patients. Thus, it is essential for them to know how to assess and manage this condition with basic equipment and recognize when to refer patients to specialists.
Purpose:
The purpose of the thesis is to describe by means of an integrative literature review how to assess and manage MGD-induced EDED among Finnish optometrists in general optical store. This thesis focuses only on non-medical treatments, because in Finland optometrists are not allowed to prescribe medications. Another aim is to increase optometrists’ knowledge of MGD and provide a peek into new technology device treatment possibilities.
Methods:
The primary literature search for the integrative review was conducted by using PubMed, ScienceDirect Elsevier, and EBSCOhost, through the Academic Search Premier and CINAHL data-bases. The search was restricted to English-language publications from 2011-2024 with free full-text. This process yielded 829 records, which were then subjected to further exclusion criteria. The final selection of fourteen articles was illustrated using the PRISMA Flow chart by Covidence.
Results:
The results of this study enable Finnish optometrists to assess the clinical signs of MGD-induced EDED using regular optical store equipment and to manage the condition emphasizing early intervention with non-medical conventional treatments. It highlights the importance of referral and co-management with dry eye clinics and ophthalmologists.
Conclusions:
This thesis provides valuable insight into the assessment and management of MGD-induced EDED in regular optical stores. It emphasizes the importance of early detection, non-medical treatment approaches and the need for uniform guidelines.
Keywords: meibomian gland dysfunction, evaporative dry eye, MGD/evaporative dry eye assessment, MGD/evaporative dry eye management
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a prevalent eye condition, particularly among older adults, and is the leading cause of evaporative dry eye disease (EDED), the most common form of dry eye disease (DED). As Finland's population ages, the occurrence of MGD-induced EDED is likely to increase. Recently specialized dry eye clinics have been established in major Finnish cities. However, optometrists in general optical stores are often the first to encounter MGD-induced EDED patients. Thus, it is essential for them to know how to assess and manage this condition with basic equipment and recognize when to refer patients to specialists.
Purpose:
The purpose of the thesis is to describe by means of an integrative literature review how to assess and manage MGD-induced EDED among Finnish optometrists in general optical store. This thesis focuses only on non-medical treatments, because in Finland optometrists are not allowed to prescribe medications. Another aim is to increase optometrists’ knowledge of MGD and provide a peek into new technology device treatment possibilities.
Methods:
The primary literature search for the integrative review was conducted by using PubMed, ScienceDirect Elsevier, and EBSCOhost, through the Academic Search Premier and CINAHL data-bases. The search was restricted to English-language publications from 2011-2024 with free full-text. This process yielded 829 records, which were then subjected to further exclusion criteria. The final selection of fourteen articles was illustrated using the PRISMA Flow chart by Covidence.
Results:
The results of this study enable Finnish optometrists to assess the clinical signs of MGD-induced EDED using regular optical store equipment and to manage the condition emphasizing early intervention with non-medical conventional treatments. It highlights the importance of referral and co-management with dry eye clinics and ophthalmologists.
Conclusions:
This thesis provides valuable insight into the assessment and management of MGD-induced EDED in regular optical stores. It emphasizes the importance of early detection, non-medical treatment approaches and the need for uniform guidelines.
Keywords: meibomian gland dysfunction, evaporative dry eye, MGD/evaporative dry eye assessment, MGD/evaporative dry eye management