Evaluation of changes in ocular surface disease index score and meibomian gland parameters in primary pterygium

BACKGROUND: Pterygium is a commonly occurring ocular pathology, characterized by a benign proliferation of conjunctiva which extends onto the corneal surface. Abnormal tear film and meibomian gland (MG) dysfunction have been linked to pterygium development. AIMS: This study was done to evaluate the changes taking place in the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score and other tear film parameters with MG parameters in patients of primary pterygium as well as evaluation of the relation between them in pterygium. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a case–control study, done in a tertiary care hospital in North India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients presenting to the ophthalmology outpatient department with a diagnosis of pterygium were enrolled in the pterygium study group along with their gender- and age-matched controls. Both groups were evaluated for OSDI score and other tear films and MG parameters were compared. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The results were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The OSDI score was significant among the study groups with a P = 0.006 and the MG parameters of MG expression score, lid margin abnormality, and meiboscore were also significant with a P = 0.002, 0.002, and < 0.01, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive association between pterygium, tear film abnormality, and MG disease (MGD). A strong association was also established between MGD and dry eye. Any alteration in one will aggravate the other.