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Meibomitis is inflammation of the meibomian glands in the eyelids, causing redness, swelling, and pain. The glands secrete oils that help lubricate and protect the eyes, but bacterial infections can cause inflammation. Treatment includes keeping the area clean and dry, and antibiotics may be needed if the inflammation persists or worsens. Complications can include styes and corneal ulcers, which can cause permanent eye damage.
Meibomitis is an inflammation of the meibomian glands, located in the eyelids. Inflammation of these glands causes the eyelids to become swollen, red and painful, particularly around the edges. Meibomitis is usually a mild inflammation that does not cause permanent damage to the eyelids or eyes.
The meibomian glands of the eyelids secrete oils which absorb into the tear film of the eyes. The tear film is a very thin layer of liquid composed of water and meibomian oils. By covering the eyes with a thin layer of moisture, the tear film lubricates the eyes, protecting them from dryness and irritation. The tear film is mostly water, and adding the oils helps prevent the tear film from evaporating too quickly. Therefore, the oils secreted by the meibomian glands are essential for eye health.
In most cases, meibomitis develops due to a bacterial infection of the meibomian glands, caused by the thickening of the oils secreted by the glands. This occurs because the thickening of the oils hinders the absorption of the oils by the tear film. Instead, meibomian oils accumulate on the eyelid margins. Bacteria that are normally present in small numbers on the eyelids can grow rapidly with the addition of the oils as a source of nutrients, causing inflammation of the meibomian glands and eyelids.
The symptoms of meibomitis are usually uncomfortable and irritating rather than severely painful. Swollen, tender eyelids and blurred vision are common symptoms of this eye inflammation. In most cases, no special treatment is required for the inflammation, other than ensuring that the eyelids and the area around them are kept as clean and dry as possible. If the inflammation persists or worsens, you may need treatment with oral antibiotics or a topical antibiotic ointment.
Inflammation of the meibomian glands can be complicated by an infection of one or more of the meibomian glands, which can occur if bacteria enters one of them. The resulting infection, called a stye, causes the eyelid to become more inflamed and tender and a red, tender bump to develop at the site of infection. In most cases, this infection clears up without any treatment, but antibiotics may be needed if the infection persists.
Even though meibomitis is usually a minor condition, it should be taken seriously due to the possibility of serious complications. One of them is the development of a corneal ulcer, which can cause eye damage that impairs vision. Ulcers and other serious complications are very rare, but as they can cause permanent eye damage, any case of eye or eyelid inflammation should be treated carefully.
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