Correlation Between On-Treatment Serum Low-density Lipoprotein Levels and Meibomian Gland Dropout in Patients With Dyslipidemia.

PURPOSE: Statin therapy, commonly prescribed for dyslipidemia, reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and has pleiotropic effects on the meibomian gland (MG). This study examined the relationship between serum LDL levels and MG dropout in statin-treated patients with dyslipidemia. METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 68 patients receiving statin therapy were included. The standard patient evaluation of eye dryness questionnaire and comprehensive ocular examinations, including MG dysfunction assessment, were conducted. Serum lipid profiles and statin therapy details were also collected. Partial correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between LDL levels and meiboscores, adjusting for age, gender, hypertension, and diabetes. RESULTS: Higher LDL levels were significantly correlated with increased meiboscores (r = 0.426, P = 0.001). Multiple regression analysis identified LDL as an independent determinant of overall and upper meiboscores (both P < 0.050), with LDL emerging as the significant predictor of meiboscores. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that higher LDL level is linked to impaired MG structure, specifically in patients treated with statins, highlighting the potential ocular benefits of optimized lipid management.