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What is Meibomitis?

Emma Lloyd
Emma Lloyd

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 at the margins. Meibomitis usually is a mild inflammation that does not cause lasting damage to the eyelids or eyes.

The meibomian glands of the eyelids secrete oils that absorb into the tear film of the eyes. The tear film is a very thin layer of liquid made up of water and meibomian oils. By covering the eyes in a thin moisture layer, the tear film lubricates the eyes, protecting them from dryness and irritation. The tear film is largely water, and the addition of the oils helps to prevent the tear film from evaporating too quickly. Therefore, the oils secreted by the meibomian glands are essential to the health of the eyes.

An antibiotic ointment may be needed to treat meibomitis.
An antibiotic ointment may be needed to treat meibomitis.

In most cases, meibomitis develops because of bacterial infection of the meibomian glands, caused by thickening of the oils secreted by the glands. This occurs because thickening of the oils hinders the absorption of the oils by the tear film. Instead, meibomian oils build up on the margins of the eyelids. Bacteria that normally are present in low numbers on the eyelids can quickly overgrow with the addition of the oils as a nutrient source, causing inflammation of the meibomian glands and eyelids.

Meibomitis may cause eyelids to become swollen.
Meibomitis may cause eyelids to become swollen.

Meibomitis symptoms generally are uncomfortable and irritating rather than being 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, apart from ensuring that the eyelids and surrounding area are kept as clean and as dry as possible. If the inflammation lingers or becomes worse, treatment with oral antibiotics or a topical antibiotic ointment might be necessary.

Meibomitis does not cause lasting damage to the eyelids or eyes.
Meibomitis does not cause lasting damage to the eyelids or eyes.

Inflammation of the meibomian glands can be complicated by an infection of one or more of the glands themselves, which can occur if bacteria enter one of them. The resulting infection, called a stye, causes further inflammation and tenderness of the eyelid and the development of a red, tender bump at the infection site. In most cases, this infection will resolve without any treatment, but antibiotics might be necessary if the infection lingers.

Blurred vision is a common sign of meibomitis.
Blurred vision is a common sign of meibomitis.

Even though meibomitis usually is a minor condition, it should be taken seriously because of the possibility of serious complications. One of these is the development of a corneal ulcer, which can cause vision-impairing eye damage. Ulcers and other serious complications are very rare, but because they can cause permanent eye damage, any case of eye or eyelid inflammation should be treated carefully.

Discussion Comments

turquoise

@burcinc-- Applying warm compresses is the best treatment. It relieves inflammation and allows for the excess oils to drain. That's how I treated my meibomitis. It's also great for chronic dry eyes.

fify

@burcinc-- Yes, I've had meibomitis before. How long it takes to go away depends on how bad it is and how well you respond to the medications. I would give the eye drops a week and then go from there.

If after a week, your symptoms still persist, you need to go back and see your doctor.

I had a serious case of meibomitis and had to take oral antibiotics. I also had to have the fluid drained. Hopefully you won't need either.

burcinc

I just found out that I have a mild case of meibomitis. I have some eye swelling and irritation.

Has anyone here experienced this before? How did you treat it?

I'm being treated with antibiotic eye drops and my eye doctor told me to clean my eyes twice a day with hot water and cotton balls.

My irritation has decreased but the swelling appears to be the same. How long does it usually take for meibomitis to go away with eye drops?

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    • An antibiotic ointment may be needed to treat meibomitis.
      By: Tinga
      An antibiotic ointment may be needed to treat meibomitis.
    • Meibomitis may cause eyelids to become swollen.
      By: Pavel Losevsky
      Meibomitis may cause eyelids to become swollen.
    • Meibomitis does not cause lasting damage to the eyelids or eyes.
      By: arztsamui
      Meibomitis does not cause lasting damage to the eyelids or eyes.
    • Blurred vision is a common sign of meibomitis.
      By: bellemedia
      Blurred vision is a common sign of meibomitis.
    • Using old mascara can introduce bacteria into the eyes and cause meibomitis.
      By: bedya
      Using old mascara can introduce bacteria into the eyes and cause meibomitis.
    • In most cases, meibomitis doesn't cause permanent damage to the eye.
      By: FotolEdhar
      In most cases, meibomitis doesn't cause permanent damage to the eye.
    • Sharing make-up applicators with other people may spread bacteria and irritate eyelids.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Sharing make-up applicators with other people may spread bacteria and irritate eyelids.
    • An oral antibiotic may help treat meibomitis.
      By: brankatekic
      An oral antibiotic may help treat meibomitis.
    • Meibomitis may lead to the development of an eye stye, which may be treated with a warm compress.
      By: alephnull
      Meibomitis may lead to the development of an eye stye, which may be treated with a warm compress.