Objective:

To explore the influence of contact lenses on meibomian gland morphology and its implications for dry eye symptoms in wearers, highlighting the clinical significance of these symptoms.

Key Findings:

• Contact lens wear is associated with observable changes in meibomian gland morphology.
• Longer duration of wear and higher modulus lenses correlate with detrimental changes, where 'modulus' refers to the stiffness of the lens material.
• Some studies indicate symptomatic wearers show more significant changes compared to asymptomatic wearers.
• Deep learning models have shown high accuracy in assessing meibomian gland atrophy.

Interpretation:

The findings suggest a potential causal relationship between contact lens wear and meibomian gland dysfunction, impacting tear film stability and comfort, which is crucial for improving patient care.

Limitations:

• Most studies have small sample sizes and convenience sampling, limiting generalizability and potentially skewing results.
• Variability in analysis methods, including subjective assessments and different software tools, may affect the reliability of findings.

Conclusion:

Further research with larger, more representative samples and standardized methodologies is needed to clarify the impact of contact lenses on meibomian gland health, particularly focusing on specific factors like lens type and wear duration.