The International Workshop on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Report of the Clinical Trials Subcommittee

Abstract

Diagnostic tests of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and of MGD-related disorders are based on the demonstration of abnormal anatomy and physiology of the glands and the detection of specific pathologic events. For this reason, this subcommittee report is divided into two sections. In part I, those aspects of meibomian anatomy and physiology that are relevant to currently available tests are described; a fuller account of the anatomy and physiology is provided in the report of the Anatomy Subcommittee of this workshop. In part II, each test and its performance is described in detail. In part III, the practical application of selected tests is summarized and recommendations for future approaches are made. Additional recommendations and a summary of pertinent literature and concepts are presented in Appendices 1 to 17.