Comparison of Optical Coherence Tomography Findings and Histological Findings of Meibomian Gland in Rats

Abstract

Purpose: To compare optical coherence tomography (OCT) and histological findings of Meibomian glands in rats. Based on these results, the histological findings of the structures seen using OCT were clarified. Methods: En bloc excision was performed on the upper and lower eyelids in two rats. The axis of the Meibomian gland was vertically scanned with three-dimensional (3D) OCT and reconstructed into 3D images. The samples were fixed in 10% formalin again and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The findings of the OCT and histological examinations were then compared to determine the histological characteristics of the structures observed in the OCT. Results: The surface of the acinus was well-delineated in the Meibomian glands of rats using OCT. However, no deep acini were observed in the central ducts. Conclusions: The structure of Meibomian glands imaged by OCT in rats was limited to the surface of the acinus. The structure of the reconstructed Meibomian gland ex vivo was similar to that of the human Meibomian gland. The possibility of developing an in vivo meibography system was therefore confirmed in animals.