Evaluation of the relationship between cutaneous subtypes of acne rosacea and ocular findings with meibography

Abstract

Background: Acne rosacea (AR) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that can cause serious ocular complications.Objectives: We aimed to evaluate dry eye disease (DED), meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in AR patients with meibography, to investigate the relationship between cutaneous subtypes and ocular involvement.Methods: This study included 67 participants with AR, 50 healthy individuals. The patients were classified into the following three cutaneous subtypes: erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), papulopustular rosacea (PPR), phymatous rosacea (PR), and referred for ophthalmatological examination including; meibomian gland obstruction lid margin alterations assessment, Ocular Surface Disease Index assessment, tear film break-up time test, Schirmer test, corneal conjunctival fluorescein staining assessment. Upper and lower lids were evaluated for meibomian gland loss with meibography.Results: MGD (45.5%) and DED (28.1%) were found in AR group. Meibomian gland loss rate (MGLR) was 38.7 ± 16.9 and Meibomian gland loss grade (MGLG) was 1.57 ± 0.82. MGLR and MGLG were significantly higher in the AR group compared with the control group (p<0.001). 59.7% of 67 patients consisted of PPR, 29.9% of 67 patients consisted of ETR, and 13.4% of 67 patients consisted of PR. When we compared three groups with each other in terms of MGD, MGLR, MGLG, DED, the results were interpreted as statistically insignificant.Conclusions: AR can cause structural changes by affecting meibomian gland morphology, as a result of these may cause MGD and DED. Therefore, ophthalmologists and dermatologists should co-evaluate the patients in this respect.