1) Oral Isotretinoin Alters Meibomian Gland Function & Morphology
Zakrzewska et al. (2023) — Oral isotretinoin therapy led to increased dry eye symptoms and measurable changes in meibomian gland structure and function, including meibography-detectable loss and quality changes.
🔗 Free full text: The Effect of Oral Isotretinoin Therapy on Meibomian Gland Characteristics in Acne Patients (Ophthalmology & Therapy)
Shows changes in meibomian gland morphology and expressibility with treatment and partial reversibility after cessation.
2) Systemic Isotretinoin Impairs Lipid Secretion from Meibomian Glands
Zhang et al. (2022) — Oral isotretinoin reduces lipid production from meibomian glands, contributing to evaporative dry eye.
🔗 Free full text: Isotretinoin Impairs the Secretory Function of Meibomian Glands (PMC)
Systemic isotretinoin induces MGD through reduced lipid synthesis and gland dysfunction.
3) Classic Evidence of MG Atrophy with Accutane
Mathers et al. (1991) — Meibomian glands show atrophy and reduced function on meibography during Accutane use, with increased tear film osmolarity.
🔗 PubMed entry: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1991/07000
… (Note: PubMed entry is shown via summary, full text may require access)
4) Pilot Quantitative Meibography Study
Gurlevik et al. (2022) — This prospective study measured TFBUT and gland changes before and during isotretinoin treatment.
🔗 PubMed entry: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34978652/
… (summary)
🧴 Cosmetics & Meibomian Glands
5) Eyeliner & Mascara Affect Tear Film Stability + Meibography
Ercan et al. (2022) — Eye makeup use (eyeliner, mascara, or both) was associated with significant changes in NBUT and meibography compared with non-users.
🔗 Free article: Effect of Eyeliner and Mascara Use on Tear Film and Meibomian Glands (PMC)
Does not show changes in aqueous tear production but does show tear instability and gland changes.
6) TFOS/Lifestyle Report on Cosmetics & Ocular Surface
Sullivan et al. (2023) — Overview including that eyeliner may induce tear film instability and MGD.
🔗 Free article: TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of Cosmetics on the Ocular Surface (PMC)
Summarizes research linking eyelid cosmetics (especially eyeliner) to gland dysfunction and tear film instability.