To evaluate the function of meibomian glands and tear film in patients with vitiligo.

This case-control study was conducted in 43 patients with vitiligo and 43 controls in Birjand, Iran. After receiving informed consent, they entered the study. In addition to demographic information and skin disease characteristics, the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was completed for each patient. Then eye examinations including slit lamp, Schirmer test, Strip Meniscometry Tube (SMTube) and tear break up time (TBUT) were performed. The meibomian glands were also imaged using noncontact meibography system (SBM Sistemi, Italy). Finally, the data were analyzed by SPSS software at a significant level of less than 0.05.

The two groups were matched according to age and gender (p=.07 and p=.10; respectively). Patients had significantly higher mean OSDI score than control (5.49±5.20 vs 3.04±2.60; p≤0.01). There was a significant difference between the mean score of the Schirmer test in both eyes (OD: 7.36±4.56 vs 17.37±6.51; OS: 4.19±7.00 vs 17.30±4.51; p≤0.01). The mean score of SMTube of both eyes was also significantly different (OD: 9.65±4.52 vs 4.09±2.33; OS: 9.64±3.67 vs 4.39±2.18; p≤0.01). However, the mean TBUT of both eyes was not different between groups (OD: 8.94±3.04 vs 10.11±2.08; OS: 9.02±3.17 vs 10.04±2.10; p=0.14). Meibography by SBM Sistemi showed no significant difference in meibomian glands atrophy percentage between groups (OD: 22.53±10.76 vs 20.90±12.21; OS: 19.76±10.14 vs 18.48±9.44; respectively: p=0.51, p=.54).

: Vitiligo is associated with a reduction in the production of aqueous tear film, but does not affect the structure and function of meibomain glands.