meibomitis

Inflammation of the meibomian glands.

Inflammation of the meibomian glands.

Inflammation of the meibomian glands. It is believed not to be a primary bacterial disease. It is characterized by the presence of a white, frothy secretion or 'foam' on the eyelid margin. The posterior lid margin is hyperaemic and the meibomian gland orifices are obstructed. Meibomianitis is often associated with blepharitis and conjunctivitis. Symptoms include mild itching of the lids and occasionally blurred vision due to the oily secretion spreading over the cornea. This condition may also result from hard contact lens wear. Management of this disease consists of tarsal massage and removal of the secretion with a moist cotton-tipped applicator and antibiotic medication (e.g. tetracycline, erythromycin). Syn. meibomitis. See marginal blepharitis; posterior blepharitis; meibomian glands; internal hordeolum.