Inflammation of oil secreting glands called meibomin glands in the eyelids is known as meibomianitis. These glands have small openings which releases oils onto the eyelid edges.
Causes of Meibomianitis
- Any conditions which increases the oily secretions thickness of the glands in the eyelids will accumulation of excess oils on the eyelid edges. This allows the growth of bacteria which are present normally on the skin.
- Thickened oily secretions may be as a result of adolescence, allergy or other skin coditions like rosacea.
- It is also associated with blepharitis, it can cause accumulation of substance (like dandruff) on the eyelids.
Symptoms
- Frequent styes
- Eyelid margins swelling
- Slightly blurred vision because of excess oil in tears. It can be cleared by blinking.
Exams and Tests
Diagnosis can be done by eye examination. Any special tests or exams are not necessary.
Treatment for Meibomianitis
- Take a face cloth and dip it in warm water. Hold the cloth for one minute against the closed eye. After liquifying the oils, firmly hold one finger against your cheek in order to anchor the skin. Then place the index finger above this, firmly pressing on the lower lid. Do the samething on the upper eyelid.
- Then repeat the same procedure even for the other eye. Doing this every day for about one week helps to unclog the glands which are blocked.
- After one week, repeat the procedure at least once or twic a week in order to prevent the blocking of the glands again.
- Another method is to warm the eyelid glands. Boil a potato, wrap it in a cloth and hold it against the eyelid that is closed. Remove it for few seconds from the eye and then repeat again. This help to soothe your eye and relieves the swelling.
- Afterwards, take a cotton bud and cleanse the eyelids, using bicarbonate soda in the sterile solution.
These are some of the tips to treat the eye condition.
