Meibomian glands are holocrine type exocrine glands, along the rims of the eyelid inside the tarsal plate. They produce meibum, an oily substance that prevents evaporation of the eye's tear film. Meibum prevents tears spilling onto the cheek, trapping the tears between the oiled edge and the eyeball, and making the closed lids airtight. There are about 50 glands on the upper eyelid and 25 glands on the lower eyelid.

Dysfunctional meibomian glands often cause dry eyes, one of the more common eye conditions. They may also contribute to blepharitis.

A number of eye problems can involve the meibomian glands. These include:

• Blepharitis
• Dry Eye
• Sjögren's Syndrome

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. They may appear red, swollen, or feel like they are burning or sore. You may have flakes or oily particles (crusts) wrapped at the base of your eyelashes too. Blepharitis is very common, especially among people who have oily skin, dandruff or rosacea.

Everyone has some bacteria on their skin. Some people, however, have more bacteria at the base of their eyelashes than other people. This can cause dandruff-like flakes to form. Also, some people have problems with oil glands in their eyelids, leading to blepharitis.

Dry Eye

Our eyes need tears to stay healthy and comfortable. If your eyes do not produce enough tears, it is called dry eye. Dry eye is also when your eyes do not make the right type of tears or tear film.

Dry eye syndrome can occur at any age, and in people who are otherwise healthy. It is more common with older age, when the individual produces fewer tears. It is also more common in women than in men.

Sjögren's Syndrome

Sjögren's (prounounced “SHOW-grins”) syndrome is an autoimmune disease, where the body’s white blood cells attack healthy tissue and organs. With this disease, the immune system attacks, among many other things, the glands that keep our eyes and mouth lubricated. Sjögren's syndrome is a common autoimmune disease, and it may sometimes be detected during a comprehensive eye exam.

The common symptoms of Sjögren's Syndrome are blurry vision, burning or stinging eyes, a gritty feeling in the eye, being very sensitive to light, discomfort wearing contact lenses.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) refers to the condition where the glands are not secreting enough oil or when the oil they secrete is of poor quality. Often, the oil gland openings get plugged up so that less oil comes out of the glands. The oil that does make it out of the glands can be granular (crusty) or otherwise abnormal, and can cause irritation.

MGD is very common. In the early stages, patients are often asymptomatic, but if left untreated, MGD can cause or exacerbate dry eye symptoms and eyelid inflammation. The oil glands become blocked with thickened secretions. Chronically clogged glands eventually become unable to secrete oil which results in permanent changes in the tear film and dry eyes.

The Treatment of MGD

Treatment consists of eyelid/eyelash hygiene to clear off the dead skin, oil and bacterial which build up. The eyelid skin is extremely delicate, so please be gentle.

1) Warm Compresses

Heating the eyelid margin will increase oil production and melt the “crusty” oil that has solidified in the glands. Use a warm (not too hot) wet washcloth to apply heat on the eyelids for four minutes or more. This warms the oil, allowing it to flow more freely, and helps soften lash debris. This should be done twice a day when there are active symptoms, and once a day for maintenance.

2) Massage

This can be done while applying the warm compress. Apply light pressure with your finger tips to the lid margin just above the eyelashes. Roll the finger upward on the lower lid while looking up, then roll the finger downward on the upper lid while looking down. Excessive manipulation of the lids can cause additional irritation, so please be careful.

Media Contact:

Sarah Rose

Journal Manager Journal of Eye Diseases and Disorderss

Email: eyedisorders@emedsci.com

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