Researchers in Russia have found that presurgical correction of dry eye with eyelid hygiene before refractive surgery in patients with dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) leads to a more significant correction of the eye surface condition compared to isolated bioprotective and reparative therapy.

The study separated 48 women with myopia, dry eye and MGD of noninfectious etiology into two groups. The first group received two times a day presurgical treatment for dry symptoms—eyelid cleaning, applying warm compresses on the area and massage of eyelid margin—alongside bioprotective and reparative therapy for two months. The second group only received bioprotective and reparative therapy for presurgical time period.

The group who received eyelid hygiene had a greater reduction on the Ocular Surface Disease Index and xerosis index, as well as greater tear break-up time. Researchers found that the significant decease in MGD severity and a decrease in lipid deficiency, attributed to the eyelid hygiene, caused these changes in the group of patients. They concluded that the study’s results provide an opportunity to explore more favorable conditions for carrying out surgical correction of ametropia.