Blepharitis and thin corneal thickness: An unexpected association

PurposeThe aim of this study is to measure central corneal thickness in patients with blepharitis associated with meibomian gland dysfunction. Local inflammation and alteration of the tears film might result to corneal thinning.MethodsAll consecutive patients seen in consultation with blepharitis in our Department of Ophthalmology in November 2014 were included. Blepharitis clinic criteria were those reported by MGD workshop. Meanwhile a control group was set up. Patients with ophthalmic associated pathology, or recent history of ophthalmic surgery were excluded. The central corneal thickness was measured with a non contact pachymeter (NT 530P, Nidek, Jp).ResultsThe study group was made of 40 eyes of 20 patients (11 men) with blepharitis, mean age was 58.5 ± 14.4. Forty eyes of 20 healthy patients (9 men) were used as a control group, mean age was 56.75 ± 13.39. The study group and the control group were comparable in gender and in age. In the study group, the mean central thickness was 527.5 μm ± 29.8 and in the control group mean central corneal thickness was 554.9 μm ± 24.7. There was statistically significant difference between the two groups using a Z normal distribution test.ConclusionsBlepharitis may be associated with a thinner corneal thickness. Increased of osmolarity in the tear fluid and ocular surface inflammation are likely to be the cause of this decrease.