Evaluating the efficacy and feasibility of manual digital meibomian gland compression in meibomian gland dysfunction
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: PURPOSE: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and clinical feasibility of manual digital meibomian gland compression compared to instrument-assisted mechanical compression in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). METHODS: Medical records of 70 MGD patients treated between January and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Participants were divided into manual (n = 35) and mechanical compression groups (n = 35). Primary outcomes included Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores and ocular surface parameters at 2-week follow-up (14 ± 2 days), and 8-week follow-up (56 ± 2 days). Secondary outcomes assessed manipulation pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS), treatment duration, and learning curve length. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements in OSDI scores, gland plugging, Schirmer I test, and non-invasive break-up time (NIBUT) at both follow-ups (all P < 0.05). The manual group demonstrated earlier meibum quality improvements (2-week follow-up and 8-week follow-up, P < 0.05) compared to mechanical group's 8-week follow-up improvement (P = 0.01), along with superior lid margin regularity at 8-week follow-up (P = 0.04). Significant intergroup differences favored manual compression in gland plugging (P = 0.02), meibum quality (P = 0.03), and NIBUT (P < 0.001) at 8-week follow-up. Manual compression consistently yielded lower pain scores (all P < 0.001) and required fewer training cases (13 vs. 20). CONCLUSIONS: Manual digital compression offers effective MGD management with enhanced patient comfort and faster clinical proficiency compared to mechanical methods. Its demonstrated therapeutic advantages support broader clinical implementation.
Source: BMC Ophthalmology
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,990
OpenAlex ID: W4416225392