Meibum Lipid Saturation Related to Dry Eye, Age, and Sex Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Abstract
Purpose: The degree of unsaturation in hydrocarbon chains (HCunsat) is likely to play an important role in determining the stability, order, and fluidity of lipids in the tear film lipid layer. The HCunsat of meibum lipids was investigated in relationship with age, sex, dry eye, Sjögren's syndrome, Parkinson's disease, and treatment for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methods: Meibum was expressed and HCunsat was measured using 1H-NMR resonances at 5.33 and 2.00 ppm. HCunsat levels were normalized to the level of wax esters, cholesteryl esters, and hydrocarbons. Results: HCunsat levels, normalized to lipid esters, were found to be 20% to 40% lower in individuals aged >50 years compared with those
Fields of Study & Subjects
Ocular Surface and Contact Lens
Glaucoma and retinal disorders
Retinal Diseases and Treatments
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
- Publisher
- Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
- Volume
- 67
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 60–60
- Publication date
- 30 March 2026
- Language
- EN