Meibomianitis
Date issued: September 2023
Review date: September 2025
Ref: A-589/MS/Ophthalmology/Meibomiantitis
PDF: Meibomianitis final September 2023.pdf [pdf] 91KB
What is Meibomianitis?
Meibomianitis is a common disorder of the eyelids. It is a chronic condition affecting both eyes. It is an inflammation of the glands that make the oily part of the tears.
Symptoms
One or more of the following may be present:
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Itchy lids
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Red swollen lids
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Burning sensation on lids, like soap in the eyes.
Causes
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Dermatitis
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Acne Rosacea
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Eczema
Treatment
The aim is to keep the lids clean and free from crusts and inflammation.
A warm moist face cloth applied to the eyes for 5-10 minutes before cleaning will help loosen the crusts.
Use a cotton bud or a face cloth around a finger moistened with plain warm water or a solution of weak no tear baby shampoo. Gently but firmly scrub along the edges of the eyelids to remove any crusts.
Clean from the inner corner of the eye outwards.
This should be performed twice a day, for 2 weeks or more at least until symptoms start to improve. Once a day or every other day may be enough after this.
Things you can do to help
Massage: Close the eye and gently massage each lid in turn 2-3 times a day. This encourages drainage of the glands.
Treatment will often be continued indefinitely.
The condition often returns if treatment is stopped.
Antibiotic ointment may be prescribed.
Occasionally antibiotics by mouth may be helpful. This may entail a 3-month course.
Associated conditions
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Stye
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Meibomian Cyst
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Blepharitis
