Soft Contact Lens Complications Practice Test

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction directly affects the lid margin and tear film by changing the lipid layer that coats the tear film. The lipid layer slows evaporation of the tears; when these glands are blocked or inflamed, the lipid secretion becomes reduced or abnormal. The result is a thinner, less stable tear film that dries out more quickly, leading to tear film breakup and a sensation of dryness or grittiness. With contact lenses, this compromised tear film can’t keep lenses properly lubricated, so discomfort, fluctuating vision, and lens awareness are common.

Age, while related to eye surface changes, isn’t a specific lid- or tear-film abnormality. Tear film stability describes the condition of the tear film rather than a patient-factor source itself, and humidity is an environmental factor, not a patient-intrinsic lid/tear-film issue.