
298 Image Analysis and Modeling in Ophthalmology
to middle-aged people, and related to ambient conditions (air conditioning), contact lens
wear, or both [4,8]. Current work conditions, such as computer use, have increased the pro-
portion of people with EDE [4]. The main cause of EDE is meibomian gland dysfunction
[9]. Meibomian glands, embedded in the upper and lower tarsal plates, are responsible for
lipid secretion, which is essential to retard tear lm evaporation [9].
Blink rate is an important factor in tear lm stability. If the blink rate is reduced, the
period between blinks is lengthened (the ocular surface is exposed to water loss)