H02.885

Clinical Causes: Blockage of the meibomian glands due to thickened or abnormal secretions Chronic inflammation or inflammation caused by blepharitis Age-related changes that decrease gland function Skin conditions like rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis Environmental factors such as exposure to wind, smoke, or dry climates Use of contact lenses over prolonged periods Certain medications that affect oil secretion Hormonal changes affecting gland function

Key Symptoms: Eyes that feel dryness or grittiness Sensitivity to light or wind Redness and swelling of the eyelid margin Watery or watery eyes Itching or burning sensation in the eyelid area crusting or debris on the eyelid margins, especially upon waking Blurry vision that improves with blinking Feeling of a foreign body in the eye

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive eye examination conducted by an eye care professional. The physician may assess the eyelids and examine the gland openings, checking for blockages or inflammation. Special tests such as meibography, which uses imaging to evaluate gland structure, or eyelid margin analysis, may be performed to determine the extent of dysfunction. Patient history regarding symptoms and any underlying conditions is also an important part of diagnosis.

Treatment Protocols: Treatment strategies aim to improve gland function, reduce inflammation, and alleviate symptoms. Common approaches include: - Warm compresses applied to the eyelids to liquefy gland secretions - Lid hygiene routines involving gentle cleaning of eyelid margins - Lipiflow or other thermal pulsation therapies that help unblock glands - Use of artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to relieve dryness - Prescription medications such as antibiotics (topical or oral) to manage inflammation - Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, which may support gland health - Avoiding environmental triggers that worsen symptoms - In some cases, eyelid Facebook or other specialized procedures may be recommended to improve gland function Addressing underlying skin conditions like rosacea can also contribute to better eyelid health and symptom relief.