Rosacea-associated Meibomian Gland Dysfunction – An Epidemiological Perspective

Abstract

The association between meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and rosacea is probably frequently underdiagnosed despite being one of the few associations of MGD that has been corroborated in population-based patients. Its diagnosis is not easy because the ocular signs and symptoms of this type of MGD are non specific and because the cutaneous signs may be minimal or absent; however, it is important because it may be associated with more severe manifestations such as keratitis, as several studies have shown, and a poorer prognosis. For this reason, clinical suspicion should be high especially in cases unresponsive to conservative measures and conventional treatment, and in those with inflammatory complications of the ocular surface.