What is the function of Meibomian glands?

Meibomian glands (also called tarsal glands) are holocrine type exocrine glands, along the rims of the eyelid inside the tarsal plate. They produce meibum, an oily substance that prevents evaporation of the eye’s tear film.

Are Meibomian glands part of the lacrimal system?

While you only have two lacrimal glands — one over each eye — you have 25 to 40 meibomian glands in your upper eyelid and 20 to 30 in your lower eyelid. Meibomian glands produce the oils that sit above the eyes’ watery tear film (produced by the lacrimal glands), preventing it from evaporating too quickly.

Where are the Meibomian glands in the eye?

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 are the 3 glands of the eye?

i) meibomian glands – in the tarsal plate. Their secretion forms the oily part of the tear film. ii) glands of Zeis – sebaceous glands that open into the follicles of the eyelashes. iii)glands of Moll – modified sweat glands that also open into the eyelash follicles.

Why are the Meibomian and Zeis glands important?

The international workshop on meibomian gland dysfunction: Executive summary. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011;52:4:1922-1929. 5.

What is Meibomian gland dysfunction?

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a term used to describe a group of disorders, both congenital and acquired, linked by functional abnormalities of the meibomian glands. MGD can lead to altered tear film composition, ocular surface disease, ocular and eyelid discomfort, and evaporative dry eye.

What causes meibomian glands to clog?

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 is Meibomian gland expression?

Meibum is expressed from meibomian glands to promote secretion of the oil or to clear blockage. Expressing meibomian glands can be done with a paddle, rolling forceps, other forceps, or sterile cotton swabs. Gentle pressure is applied to the lids so that meibum flows out of the opening of the glands.

What do meibomian glands look like?

There are approximately 20 to 30 meibomian glands on the lower lid and 40 to 50 on the upper lid. Healthy glands are easily visualized by illumination of either lid, and appear as grape-like clusters attached to a central stalk.

What are the glands of eyelid?

The secretory glands in the eyelid and conjunctiva contain the main lacrimal gland, accessory lacrimal glands of Wolfring and Krause, goblet cells, ciliary glands of Moll and Zeis, and the meibomian gland. The eyelid and conjunctiva are main targets in ophthalmic plastic surgery.

What causes clogged meibomian glands?

What are Inspissated meibomian glands?

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.