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Los Gatos Eye Care
A Professional Optometric Corporation
15563 Union Ave.
Los Gatos, CA 95032

(408) 377-2020
fax: (408) 377-2022

Meibomitis


Meibomitis refers to dysfunction and inflammation of the Meibomean glands. The lipid-like secretions of these glands ends up on the margin of your eyelids and, when healthy appears similar to baby oil in consistency. Upon blinking, the upper lid comes down, presses on the oil and pulls a sheet of oil upwards, coating the tear layer beneath to keep it from evaporating. Dysfunction of these glands causes the tears to evaporate more rapidly and leads to symptoms of dryness, burning and irritation.

As time goes on, the oil glands become more and more clogged up and will actually stop working over time. If there's not enough oil on the surface of the tear film, the tears will evaporate very quickly.

Any condition that increases the thickness of the oily secretions of the meibomean glands will allow excess oils to accumulate on the edges of the lids. This allows for the over-growth of bacteria, which are normally present on skin.

The thickening and subsequent clogging up of the glands can be caused by allergies, hormonal changes of adolescence, or general skin conditions such as Rosacea and acne. Meibomitis is often associated with blepharitis which can cause an accumulation of dandruff-like substance at the base of the eyelashes.

If Meibomitis continues with no treatment, the development of styes, chalazia and recurrent eye infections can occur. Similar to other treatments of Ocular Surface Disease, Meibomitis treatment is designed depending on many factors such as age, gender, profession, severity, environmental factors, social history and others.

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Main focus of treatment is to open up the meibomean glands and allow for better and more efficient oil production. This is achieved by a routine comprised of warm compresses / lid scrubs, artificial tears, Tranquileyes Hydrating Therapy, nutritional supplements, artificial tears. When the condition is severe, oral and ocular antibiotics and steroids might be also prescribed.


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