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Meibomian glands, also called thyroid or eyelid glands, are the large sebaceous glands that are found in the eyelids. These glands synthesize and secrete lipids and proteins that are delivered to the edge of the upper and lower eyelids of the eye. What are the symptoms of Meibon gland dysfunction?

  1. Meibon gland - structure
  2. Meibomian gland - symptoms of dysfunction
  3. Meibomian gland dysfunction - the essence of the problem
  4. Meibon gland - study
  5. Meibom's gland - how to care for your eyes

Meibomian glandssystematically produce a small amount of fatty secretion, which forms a thin fat layer of the tear film, preventing tear evaporation, provides eyelid glide and protects the eye surface from irritation and protects against overflow tears through the edges of the eyelids and excessive tearing of the eyes.

Proper functioning of the meibomian glands is essential for proper vision and the he alth of the eye surface.

Unfortunately, the thyroid glands do not always function properly. When this happens, we are talking about Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD for short, from the English name Meibomian gland dysfunction).

Meibon gland - structure

Meibomian glands, unlike other sebaceous glands, do not come into direct contact with the hair follicles.

Each Meibomian gland is made up of multiple secretion clusters containing "meibocytes" (the cells that secrete the meibomian glands), the lateral tubules, the central canal, and the terminal tubule that opens at the back of the eyelid rim.

The number and volume of Meibomian glands is greater in the upper eyelid, but the relative functional effect of the upper and lower eyelid glands on the tear film is not fully understood.

The source or sources of stem cells for these glands have not yet been identified.

Meibomian glands are densely innervated and their function is regulated by:

  • androgeny
  • estrogens
  • progestins
  • retinoic acid
  • growth factors
  • and possibly by neurotransmitters

Glands produce polar and non-polar lipids in a complex and not exactly recognized process. These lipids are secreted into the tubule in a holocrine process.

Supplying sebaceous secretiongland to the edge of the eyelid occurs when the muscle contracts during the movement of the eyelid.

Meibomian gland - symptoms of dysfunction

Normal discharge produced by meibomian glands should be liquid and transparent at the temperature of the eyelid. When the density of the secretion and its chemical composition change, the properties of the secretion also change.

Initially, disturbances in the secretion of the eyelid glands cause poorly noticeable symptoms of morning discomfort. Symptoms that may indicate a malfunction of the thyroid glands include:

  • feeling every blink
  • feeling dry, irritated or gritty under the eyelids
  • burning, choking and fatigue
  • constantly feeling discomfort in the eye
  • temporary foreign body sensation
  • tearing excess
  • reading problems caused by discomfort
  • momentary blur of the image disappears after blinking several times

In addition, dried discharge resembling small scabs may appear on the edges of the eyelids and eyelashes, and the edges of the eyelids may be red.

Symptoms of the disease may also be frequent chases and abnormal, irregular eyelash growth.

This is accompanied by inflammation of the surface of the eye and dry eye syndrome.

In many cases, the use of even systematic moisturizing eye drops does not bring the expected relief and relieves symptoms only for a very short time.

The observation of such symptoms should prompt you to visit an ophthalmologist.

Meibomian gland dysfunction - the essence of the problem

Meibomian gland dysfunction is mainly caused by obstruction of the terminal tubule in thickened, opaque sebaceous discharge that contains callous cellular material.

The cause of the tubular closure is excessive keratinization of the tubular epithelium and increased viscosity of the glandular secretion.

This process is influenced by endogenous factors, such as age, gender, as well as hormonal disorders and exogenous factors, e.g. topical medications.

Closing the channel can lead to:

  • cystic intra-glandular extensions
  • loss of meibocytes (sebaceous cells)
  • gland loss
  • hyposecretion

These are symptoms that are usually not caused by inflammatory cells.

The end result of MGD is reduced presence of sebaceous secretion at the eyelid margin and in the tear film.

Lipid deficiency can cause:

  • increased evaporation and instability of the tear film
  • increased bacterial growth onedge of the eyelid
  • dry eye due to excessive tear film evaporation
  • damage and inflammation of the eye surface

Meibon gland - study

A test called Meibography is used to diagnose the morphology of the Meibomian glands.

It consists in taking infrared photos of the glands and assessing the correctness of their appearance.

Meibography is a painless and non-invasive test.

Meibom's gland - how to care for your eyes

People who have problems with the thyroid glands should take great care of their eyes and follow the rules of hygiene, because it helps to ensure the proper functioning of the glands.

Proper functioning should also be understood as their patency and regulation of the secretory function.

Proper eyelid care does not require any specialist knowledge. However, diligence is required.

What should I do?

  1. We warm the eyelid - a warm compress allows you to raise the temperature of the eyelid and liquefy too thick secretion. For this to happen, a warm compress is applied to closed eyelids for 5-10 minutes. You can use cotton pads, gauze or a small towel for this. The compress must be warm enough. You can buy gel compresses in pharmacies, which must be warmed in hot water before use. You can also use special glasses to warm the eyelids.
  2. Massage the eyelids - the massage allows you to remove the liquid secretion from the glands towards their outlets at the edges of the eyelids, which affects the proper functioning of the eyelids. Gently massage the upper eyelid with small circular movements close to the eyelashes. Massage the lower eyelid by making movements from the inside of the eyelid outwards. During the massage, gently press the eyelid.
  3. We thoroughly clean the eyelids and their edges - cleaning the edges of the eyelids allows you to remove impurities, dried secretions and all microorganisms that may promote the development of inflammation. We clean the eyelids and their edges with hypoallergenic preparations intended for this purpose, because they contain substances that regulate the functioning of the thyroid glands and do not contain preservatives and irritants. Put the soaked cotton ball or gauze over your closed eyelids and hold it for a while to let the impurities dissolve. Now gently massage the edges of the eyelids in a circular motion. The next move is to clean the edges of the eyelids at the base of the eyelashes. This should be done with a sweeping move. Of course, we use a fresh cotton swab for each eye.
About the authorAnna Jarosz A journalist who has been involved in popularizing he alth education for over 40 years. Winner of many competitions for journalistsdealing with medicine and he alth. She received, among others The "Golden OTIS" Trust Award in the "Media and He alth" category, St. Kamil awarded on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, twice the "Crystal Pen" in the national competition for journalists promoting he alth, and many awards and distinctions in competitions for the "Medical Journalist of the Year" organized by the Polish Association of Journalists for He alth.

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Eye diseases and vision disorders