To evaluate the differences in dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) by comparing ocular surface status before and after wearing an orthokeratologic (OK) lens and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens made of the same material.

The ocular surface and meibomian gland statuses of 12 eyes of 12 OK lens wearers (OK lens group) and 16 eyes of 16 RGP wearers (RGP lens group) were evaluated before and 1 and 3 months after lens wearing. Ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer`'s test I, and ocular surface staining score were evaluated for ocular surface parameters. Meibomian gland function was evaluated by assessing lid margin abnormality, meibomian gland expressibility, and meibum quality.

TBUT and ocular surface staining score after 1 and 3 months of wearing an OK lens were significantly aggravated ( p = 0.004, p < 0.001). The MGD grade, lid margin abnormality, meibomian gland expressibility, and meibum quality were aggravated after 1 and 3 months of wearing an OK lens ( p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.002). After 1 and 3 months of wearing an RGP lens, OSDI, TBUT, and ocular surface staining score were aggravated (all p < 0.001). The MGD grade, lid margin abnormality, meibomian gland expressibility, and meibum quality were aggravated after 1 and 3 months of wearing an RGP lens (all p < 0.001). MGD grade, lid margin abnormality, meibomian gland expressibility, and meibum quality were significantly more aggravated in the RGP lens group than in the OK lens group after 3 months ( p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, p < 0.001).

Use of OK and RGP lenses affects ocular surface status. Especially, meibomian gland parameters and OSDI showed greater changes in RGP lens wearers than OK lens wearers.