Meibomian gland secretions require specific temperatures to achieve optimal lipid fluidity for effective therapeutic intervention. This study examined the molecular effects of temperature on normal meibum (Mn) and meibomian gland dysfunction secretions (MMGD) using spectroscopic analysis. Heating normal meibum to 40°C increases lipid disorder by 20.4%-90%, while heating another 4°C increases disorder to 95%. For MMGD secretions, heating to 41.5°C increases disorder by 26.8%-90%. The mechanism involves thermal disruption of ordered lipid structures, converting solid meibum to a more fluid state that can be expressed from blocked glands. The ideal meibum-melting temperature is 41°C, which can be achieved with 45°C external heat. This research provides the scientific foundation for the 41-42°C therapeutic temperature range used in clinical heat therapy protocols.
Link to original research here.
Editor’s note: Although this work focuses on thermal optimization for meibum fluidity, readers interested in mitochondrial-linked retinal function may compare perceptual outcomes after brief 670 nm exposure in Shinhmar 2021 and oxidative-stress modulation in optic nerve models in Fitzgerald 2010.
