Blocked Oil Glands (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction) -
The Most Common Cause of Dry Eyes
The tear film contains oil which is produced my the meibomian glands. Think of your meibomian glands like tiny pipes.
When they're open, healthy oil flows into your tears.When they become blocked, your tears evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes dry, gritty and irritated.
To make things worse the eyes are dry, it leads to over production of eyelid oil which leads to blocked oil glands also called meibomitis or marginal gland disease. If left untreated, leads to styes!
Did you know that 70% of dry eye cases are caused by meibomitis — blocked oil glands in the eyelids? These glands normally produce the vital oily layer of your tear film, which prevents your tears from evaporating too quickly. When they are blocked, your eyes feel dry, gritty, and irritated.
Like white heads on the face, this is along the eye lid. The oil needs to be softened and unblocked so that your natural oil can flow onto the eye to form a healthy tear film.
This is my son Mark. Like many children, he developed a blocked oil gland (stye) caused by meibomitis. The same condition is one of the most common causes of dry eyes in adults.
Eye Drops do not cure dry eyes
Because they only replace moisture temporarily—they don't unblock your oil glands.
Meibomitis is the commonest cause of dry eyes.
Eye drops do not cure meibomitis
Meibomitis Treatment
By restoring their natural function, your tears regain a healthy oil layer, improving comfort and clarity.
Unlike eye drops, which only replace moisture for a short time, Eye-Light and Tixel help restore healthier meibomian glands so your tears can protect your eyes naturally.
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Eye-Light®
Eye-light uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and LED therapy to gently unblock these oil glands.
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Tixel®
Tixel has been used for wrinkle and acne and now it is used for improving oil quality of the tear film .Thermo-Mechanical Ablation TMA® – a non-laser treatment using heat.
Why does meibomitis keep coming back?
Patients ask this all the time. I will give you tips to mange these issues too.
Screen use
Rosacea
Hormonal changes
Contact lenses
Previous LASIK
We see lots of patients with Post-Lasik Dry Eyes.I would treat the meibomitis and blepharitis before embarking on other treatments
Frequently Asked Questions About Meibomitis
What is meibomitis?
Meibomitis is inflammation of the meibomian (oil) glands in your eyelids. These glands produce the oil layer of your tears. When they become blocked or inflamed, tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dry, irritated eyes. Meibomitis is one of the most common causes of dry eye disease.
Is meibomitis the same as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)?
Yes. Meibomitis is a common form of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). The terms are often used interchangeably. MGD refers to blocked or poorly functioning oil glands, while meibomitis emphasises inflammation of those glands.
What are the symptoms of meibomitis?
Common symptoms include:
Dry eyes
Burning or stinging
Gritty or sandy sensation
Watery eyes
Red eyes
Blurred vision that improves after blinking
Tired eyes, especially when using computers
Frequent styes or chalazia
Can eye drops cure meibomitis?
No.
Artificial tears may temporarily relieve symptoms, but they do not unblock the oil glands or treat the underlying inflammation. Long-term improvement usually requires treating the cause of the problem.
What causes meibomitis?
Meibomitis can develop for several reasons, including:
Prolonged screen use
Hormonal changes
Contact lens wear
Poor eyelid hygiene
Several factors may contribute at the same time.
Can meibomitis be cured?
In many patients, meibomitis is a chronic condition that can be effectively managed rather than permanently cured. Early diagnosis and regular treatment help restore healthier gland function and reduce symptoms over the long term.
Can children develop meibomitis?
Yes.
Children can develop blocked oil glands, especially if they frequently get styes or chalazia. Early treatment may help improve eyelid health and reduce recurring eyelid infections.I have lots of experience with children’s styes as my son used to get them
Is meibomitis contagious?
No.
Meibomitis is not contagious and cannot be spread from one person to another.
How is meibomitis diagnosed?
During your consultation, Dr Cheryl Lee examines your eyelids, tear film and meibomian glands to determine whether blocked oil glands are causing your dry eyes. Additional tests may be performed to assess tear quality and gland function.
What treatments are available for meibomitis?
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and may include:
Warm compresses
Artificial tears sent work well
Prescription medications
Dr Cheryl Lee will recommend a personalised treatment plan based on the cause and severity of your condition.
How many Eye-Light or Tixel treatments will I need?
Many patients notice improvement after a series of treatments. The exact number depends on the severity of your meibomitis and your response to treatment. Dr Cheryl Lee will discuss a personalised treatment plan during your consultation.
Will my dry eyes come back after treatment?
Dry eye disease is often a long-term condition. With ongoing eyelid care and appropriate maintenance treatment, many patients enjoy significant and lasting improvement in comfort and vision.