Impact of smoking exposure on meibomian gland morphology and tear film stability: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To investigate the effects of smoking on the structure and function of the meibomian glands.

Methods

A total of 104 chronic smokers (with a smoking history of more than 5 years) and 44 healthy non-smokers were included. Based on smoking index, participants were categorized into four groups: non-smoking, mild, moderate, and heavy smoking. Meibomian gland images were compared across groups to assess morphological features, including defect area, number, height, and width. Furthermore, eyelid margin morphology, meibum characteristics and quantity, as well as tear film breakup time (TBUT), were evaluated to further investigate the impact of smoking on the structure and function of the meibomian glands.

Results

The gland dropout area demonstrated the strongest posi

SUBMITTER: Chen T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12672861 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature