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Meibography

Eye Care estimated about CNY 200-450

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Description

Imaging technique to visualize the structure and morphology of meibomian glands, typically using infrared light, to assess gland dropout, atrophy, or duct obstruction in meibomian gland dysfunction.

Main Uses

Primary clinical uses include: (1) objective diagnosis and staging of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD); (2) monitoring structural progression of gland atrophy in chronic dry eye disease; (3) guiding and evaluating treatment efficacy (e.g., thermal pulsation, intense pulsed light, lid hygiene); (4) differential diagnosis of evaporative dry eye vs. aqueous-deficient dry eye; (5) preoperative assessment for refractive or cataract surgery in patients with ocular surface risk factors; (6) research applications in evaluating gland morphology changes in systemic diseases or drug trials.

Normal Range

No quantitative 'numerical' normal range exists for LipiScan or meibography, as it is an imaging-based qualitative/semi-quantitative assessment. Normal findings include: (1) continuous, well-defined, tortuous, and evenly distributed meibomian gland structures in both upper and lower eyelids; (2) gland dropout <10% (often assessed via validated grading scales such as the Meiboscore [0–3] or MGD Grading Scale); (3) no significant glandular atrophy, truncation, or dilation; (4) symmetric gland morphology between eyes; (5) clear glandular secretions visible on dynamic expression (if combined with functional testing). Quantitative metrics (e.g., gland area %, tortuosity index) are research-grade and lack universally accepted clinical thresholds.

Low Values - Possible Causes

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), chronic blepharitis (especially posterior), aging (gland atrophy increases after age 40), hormonal changes (e.g., menopause, androgen deficiency), long-term contact lens wear, rosacea-associated ocular surface disease, prolonged screen use with reduced blink rate, systemic autoimmune conditions (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis)

High Values - Possible Causes

Not applicable — meibography does not produce 'high values' in a pathological sense; apparent 'increased' gland visibility may reflect technical artifacts (e.g., excessive infrared illumination, poor lid eversion, or image over-enhancement), acute inflammation-induced gland dilation (rare and transient), or misinterpretation of hyperreflective debris or ductal plugs as gland tissue. True glandular hyperplasia is exceptionally rare and not clinically associated with standard meibography findings.

meibography LipiScan meibomian gland dysfunction

estimated about CNY 200-450