Criteria of Arita et al for Obstructive Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

 

Scores used to diagnose obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction:

(1) ocular symptom score

(2) lid margin abnormality score

(3) meibo score

 

Ocular symptom score - 1 point for each symptom present:

(1) ocular fatigue

(2) discharge

(3) foreign body sensation

(4) dryness

(5) uncomfortable sensation

(6) sticky sensation

(7) pain

(8) epiphora (an abnormal overflow of tears)

(9) itching

(10) redness

(11) heavy sensation

(12) glare

(13) excessive blinking

(14) history of chalazion or hordeolum

 

Lid margin abnormality score - 1 point for each finding present:

(1) irregular lid margin

(2) vascular engorgement

(3) plugged meibomian gland orifices

(4) anterior or posterior displacement of the mucocutaneous junction

Eyelid	Loss of Meibomian Glands	Points for Meibo Score
upper	none	0
	< 33% of total area	1
	33 to 66% of total area	2
	> 66% of total area	3
lower	none	0
	< 33% of total area	1
	33 to 66% of total area	2
	> 66% of total area	3

 

Interpretation:

• The ocular symptom score ranges from 0 to 14.

• An ocular symptom score >= 3 is abnormal.

• The lid margin abnormality score ranges from 0 to 4.

• A lid margin abnormality score >= 2 is abnormal.

• The meibo score ranges from 0 to 6 for each eye.

• A meibo score >= 3 is abnormal.

• If all 3 scores are abnormal then obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction is very likely.

• If 2 of the scores are abnormal then obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction should be suspected.

 

Performance:

• If all 3 tests are abnormal, the sensitivity is 66% and specificity 100%.

• If any 2 tests are abnormal, the sensitivity is 85% and the specificity 97%