What does Meibomian mean?

Meibomian glands are the tiny oil glands which line the margin of the eyelids (the edges which touch when the eyelids are closed). These glands secrete oil which coats the surface of our eyes and keeps the water component of our tears from evaporating (drying out).

What is meibomian gland Inspissation?

Large, isolated inspissated glands and thickened lid margins are apparent. The Meibomian Glands. Meibomian glands are modified sebaceous glands that are arranged vertically within the tarsal plate. The interactive force of an eyelid blink causes meibum to be excreted onto the posterior lid margin.

What is the function of the meibomian gland?

Meibomian Glands MGs synthesize and secrete lipids and proteins that constitute the upper layer of the tear film. The lipids are secreted and spread over the ocular surface through the blink and prevent tear evaporation. There are about 30–40 glands in the upper eyelid and 20–30 in the lower lid.

What is in meibomian glands?

The meibomian gland is a type of sebaceous gland with tubulo-acinar structure and holocrine function, located in the superior and inferior tarsal plates. Meibomian glands secrete meibum, a compound made up of polar lipids (phospholipids) and nonpolar lipids (cholesterol, wax esters, cholesterol esters).

What causes meibomian dysfunction?

Allergic conjunctivitis and other eye diseases. Inflamed or damaged eyelid or cornea. Bacterial infection. Autoimmune diseases like rosacea, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren’s syndrome.

What causes MGD in eyes?

Changes to the amount or quality of the oil, or to the glands themselves, can lead to MGD. It’s often the result of a combination of things. The most common type, obstructive MGD, happens when the gland openings get clogged, and less and less oil reaches the eye surface.

Where are the meibomian glands in the eye?

Meibomian glands are a type of sebaceous gland located in the tarsal plate of the upper and lower eyelids.