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Meibomite
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

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Meibomitis is a condition commonly referred to as an internal stye. This condition can affect the meibomian glands, which are located on the eyelids.
To some extent, the disease affects the cartilaginous tissue of the eyelids. Meibomitis comes in two types, each of which is particularly dangerous.
Causes of meibomitis
The causes of meibomitis are varied. Thus, this phenomenon can arise even against the background of ordinary hypothermia. There is nothing surprising in this. The body spends all its energy on maintaining heat and does not "pay attention" to many infections at all. Moreover, the effects of cold and dampness weaken the immune system. But this is far from the only reason.
It should be noted that the disease is caused by dysfunction of the meibomian glands. It is accompanied by the phenomenon of excessive secretion and is often observed in people suffering from seborrheic dermatitis, conjunctivitis and chronic eye irritation. Therefore, patients suffering from such diseases need to be especially careful. Meibomitis can occur against the background of all this.
Acne rosacea can also be the cause of the disease. If a person does not have such diseases, but wears contact lenses, there is always a risk of getting unpleasant symptoms. Even acrid smoke or smog can damage the eyes. This is especially dangerous for people who suffer from chronic irritation of the organs of vision. Meibomitis is a serious problem that requires an immediate solution.
Symptoms of meibomitis
The symptoms of meibomitis are pronounced. Thus, this disease is characterized by severe redness and clearly visible unevenness of the posterior edge of the eyelid. All openings of the meibomian glands are covered with secretion. Their content can be both cloudy and semi-solid. In appearance and to the touch it resembles toothpaste.
Often patients complain of foam along the edge of the lower eyelid. This phenomenon occurs because excess fat accumulates in the tear. Gradually, it begins to whip into foam and is deposited on the eyelid. This happens during blinking movements.
The meibomian gland canals within the cartilage itself are noticeably curved and altered by scars. Quite often, excess fat causes conjunctivitis or hot eye syndrome. In chronic form, the disease can cause recurrent chalazionama. In acute form, it is considered as internal barley. In any case, if these symptoms are detected, they must be eliminated immediately. Meibomitis is an unpleasant disease that brings a lot of inconvenience.
Upper eyelid meibomitis
Meibomitis of the upper eyelid is quite common. It is caused by the presence of chronic problems or existing eye diseases. This disease is called "internal barley". It is classified as an ophthalmological problem caused by the location of the meibomian glands in the thickness of the cartilaginous plates.
They are located both on the upper and lower eyelids. This disease manifests itself in the same way, it does not matter at all where the "problem" is located. The symptoms are the same, the causes too. It is important to diagnose the problem in time and start fighting it.
If a person neglects the disease, it will become chronic and will periodically "please" with its appearance. Therefore, the sooner the treatment process begins, the better. Dysfunction of the meibomian glands does not occur very often, but if it does, characteristic symptoms may appear. The presence of foam or "filling" similar to toothpaste can be observed in the eye. All this brings a lot of inconvenience, so meibomitis needs to be eliminated.
Lower eyelid meibomitis
Meibomitis of the lower eyelid occurs for very common reasons. It does not matter where the disease appears. It occurs and progresses equally on both the upper and lower eyelids.
The problem may be caused by existing diseases. Thus, in this case we are talking about conjunctivitis or chronic eye irritation syndrome. The latter type occurs against the background of the negative influence of contact lenses or damaging smog and smoke.
It is important to notice the disease in time. This will be quite easy to do. The lower eyelid will become significantly red and a small bump will appear on it. There may be foam or a "mass" in the eye similar to toothpaste. It is formed due to excessive secretion of fat. Thanks to blinking movements, a person beats all this down until foam forms. In most cases, it is deposited in the corners of the eyes.
It is important to see a doctor in time. Because this is not only a problematic disease, but also very unpleasant. It is not easy to hide the presence of internal barley, it is very noticeable. Meibomitis should be eliminated by means of medications.
Acute meibomitis
Acute meibomitis resembles acute eye damage caused by barley in its clinical picture. However, a deeper impact of the infection on the visual organs is observed.
In this form, the disease affects the eyelid to the depth of the cartilage. The degree of negative impact is clearly visible. This is especially noticeable when everting the eyelid. It should be noted that the acute form has the ability to open on its own. Therefore, all the contents of the barley safely get into the eye. This is possible in the presence of acute conjunctivitis.
In some cases, the affected area is opened surgically. The doctor makes a neat incision along the meibomian glands and the contents come out on their own.
If a person suffers from this disease for a long time, it is necessary to do a special massage at the site of localization. This will allow you to squeeze out the contents of the stye faster. Thus, the unpleasant symptoms will gradually begin to disappear and excessive swelling of the eyelid will not bother you. But you need to remove the meibomite carefully.
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Chronic meibomitis
Chronic meibomitis can cause significant thickening of the eyelid and change its color. The areas that are negatively affected by the disease become red.
The conjunctiva becomes hyperemic. Traces of the infiltrate disease appear on it. Meibomian glands, which have a yellowish tint, can be seen through the eyelid tissue.
Grayish crusts may form along the eyelash line and in the corners of the eyes. This phenomenon indicates the presence of hypersecretion of the meibomian glands. Simply put, there is a significant excess of fat production. When blinking, the secretion is whipped into foam and deposited in the corners of the eyes. This phenomenon can be eliminated, but after a while it will overtake the person again.
If you do not start treatment in time, the conjunctival cavity of the eye will be constantly irritated. Ultimately, the disease will become chronic. In this case, it is no longer possible to eliminate meibomitis, it is possible to alleviate the symptoms, but not for a long time.
Meibomitis in a child
Meibomitis in a child can occur for the same reasons as in an adult. Moreover, the disease manifests itself in a similar way. Thus, swelling of the upper or lower eyelid appears. The presence of the "pimple" itself is not noticeable. To see it, it is enough to simply move the eyelid, it is probably there.
A change in hue is noticeable around the damaged area. Often the affected area is red. If you look closely, you can see the meibomian glands themselves, they take on a yellowish hue. Before severe swelling occurs, foam or other white "liquid" may appear in the corners of the eyes. This is due to excessive secretion of glands that secrete large amounts of fat.
By blinking, the child whips up these secretions into foam, which is deposited in the corners of the eyes. If such signs appear, you need to show the child to the doctor. Jokes with children's health are bad. You should not try to remove the formation yourself, this can worsen the situation. Meibomitis should be treated according to the doctor's recommendations.
Where does it hurt?
Diagnosis of meibomitis
Diagnosis of meibomitis consists of an examination by an ophthalmologist. The presence of this disease can also be determined during a routine visual examination. It is enough to simply look under the eyelid, compare normal indicators with existing norms and make a diagnosis based on this.
Naturally, the symptoms described by the patient themselves are also taken into account. In some cases, a slit lamp is used. It allows one to examine the meibomian glands and the pathologies that develop in them.
During this disease, the color of not only the affected area changes. The glands themselves also change significantly, so they take on a yellowish hue. During a regular examination, this may not be noticed, but with the help of a special lamp, this phenomenon will become obvious.
If clearly visible meibomian glands are found, a diagnosis of meibomitis is made. After examination, complex treatment is immediately prescribed, which must be followed. Otherwise, meibomitis may take a chronic form, which is not completely eliminated.
What do need to examine?
Who to contact?
Treatment of meibomitis
Treatment of meibomitis is unique. First of all, it is necessary to carry out eyelid hygiene. This is done with a solution based on baby shampoo. This will remove crusts and scales. Such cleaning should be carried out at least 2-3 times a day. It is recommended to use special ointments that contain antibiotics. This can be the same tetracycline ointment. It should be placed under the eyelid once a day at night.
A 1% mercury ointment based on Vaseline will help wonderfully. It should be used daily at night. In the presence of a dry form of seborrhea, it is advisable to wash your head, forehead and bridge of the nose with a special anti-seborrheic shampoo. This manipulation is carried out 2-3 times a week.
If an excessive amount of fat is secreted or the secretion is very thick, Tetracycline is used in tablet form. You need to take 4 capsules of 0.25 g per day. Doxycycline also has excellent properties. It should be taken in a dose of 0.1 g twice a day for 14 days. After that, the medication is used only once a day for the time specified by the doctor. Meibomitis can retreat if you start treating it correctly.
Treatment of acute meibomitis
Treatment of acute meibomitis involves the complex use of many means. At the initial stage, it is recommended to use dry heat. The best effect is achieved by using UHF therapy and blue color. In no case should you use lotions or compresses. It is possible for the infection to penetrate much deeper. Heat treatment is excellent, but this method is prescribed exclusively by the attending physician.
You can use 70% ethyl alcohol or an alcohol solution. The affected area is lubricated with these components 1-3 times a day. It is necessary to be especially careful, because there is a risk of causing a serious burn.
Special drops have a good effect. These include Ciprolet, Floxal and Dexamethasone. They should be instilled 1-2 drops every 4-5 hours in both eyes! This is very important, the infection can "move" to another area.
If you pay attention to ointments, it may be Floxal. Tobradex ointment and, accordingly, Tobradex drops help well. The latter remedy is used similarly to those described above. However, it may not be suitable for children, this issue is discussed with the attending physician. The ointment is placed behind the eyelid 4-5 times a day. Complex treatment can eliminate meibomitis even in its acute form.
Treatment of chronic meibomitis
Treatment of chronic meibomitis involves using more effective and powerful agents. Thus, Ciprolet and Levomycetin are suitable as drops. They should be used every 4-5 hours, 2 drops in both eyes. Among anti-inflammatory agents, Tobradex ointment and similar drops have proven themselves well.
In more complicated situations, surgical removal is possible. It will allow opening the stye and extracting its contents. But, since the problem is chronic, the procedure may be repeated more than once.
If the stye is present constantly, then it is necessary to conduct a quality diagnosis. Moreover, you will have to visit more than one doctor. The list of specialists includes: endocrinologist, therapist, gastroenterologist and immunologist. It is advisable to take blood tests and check the sugar level in it.
Complex vitamin therapy is not excluded. These are mainly B vitamins. The supplement "Brewer's yeast" helps very well. It is also necessary to follow a healthy diet. A person's daily diet should be filled with vitamins and microelements. Regarding complex treatment, it is necessary to talk to a doctor. It is not recommended to eliminate meibomitis on your own.
Treatment of meibomitis at home
Treatment of meibomitis at home is possible only under the condition of a realistic assessment of the current situation. After all, it is quite easy to get a chronic form.
So, there are several useful recipes that will help you get rid of internal barley. You can heat flaxseed in a frying pan and pour it into a handkerchief. Then tie everything into a knot and apply it to the affected area.
For internal barley, it is useful to apply a napkin soaked in sour milk to the eyelid. You should not bypass plantain leaves either. This "ingredient" must be washed. Then boil the egg hard and put it on the leaves. Moreover, it must be kept in this position until it cools down. After that, the plantain leaves are applied to the eye. The procedure is repeated every two hours.
You can also lubricate the stye with garlic juice. A red woolen thread will also help. It is enough to simply tie it around the middle and ring fingers in the shape of an eight. If the stye is on the right eye, then tie the right hand, if on the left - the left. Additionally, take a dry or fresh tansy flower as a tablet. The effect is really observed. Meibomitis disappears only in the case of proper treatment.
Treatment of meibomitis with folk remedies
Treatment of meibomitis with folk remedies has always had a good effect. But before you start this method of eliminating the problem, you should consult a doctor.
If the stye has just started to form, you need to make a semi-alcoholic compress. It contains vodka, in which a cotton pad is soaked. The remains of the product should be squeezed out so as not to injure the eye.
Lotions made from plantain help well. To treat the disease, it is enough to take three tablespoons of dry grass and pour a glass of boiling water over them. The resulting remedy is infused in a warm place, then filtered and used as lotions.
Another great way is to use calendula flowers. Just take a tablespoon of this ingredient and pour boiling water over it. Brew the remedy for 30 minutes, then strain and use in the same way as plantain.
It is also recommended to use aloe juice. It is necessary to take the plant and squeeze out all the liquid, then dilute it with water in a ratio of 1:10. Compresses from the resulting product are made 3 times a day.
You can take a gauze napkin and soak it in castor oil. Then fix the compress on the eye with a plaster overnight. Usually, barley is eliminated after 2-3 procedures.
In half a glass of water, you need to dilute a tablespoon of soda. As soon as the eye begins to itch, make a compress. The frequency of repetitions should not exceed 3 times. Meibomitis will retreat quickly if you remove it effectively.
Prevention of meibomitis
Prevention of meibomitis consists of proper treatment of the diseases preceding it. Thus, this disease can be caused by ordinary conjunctivitis or chronic eye irritation. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate these problems in time and try to avoid irritants.
If a person has a predisposition to this disease or has all the prerequisites for its development, it is worth undergoing an examination by an ophthalmologist. This will prevent the occurrence of the problem and eliminate it at an early stage.
Preventing internal barley is not so easy. It can appear even if special rules are followed. Therefore, you need to monitor your own health more carefully. After all, the problem can also appear against the background of diseases of the endocrine system, thyroid gland and weakened immunity. In order to avoid any "surprises" on the outside, you need to start treatment from the inside. In this case, meibomitis will not overtake a person and will not manifest itself with negative symptoms that complicate the situation.
Meibomite forecast
The prognosis for meibomitis is positive if treatment is started on time. After all, this disease quickly becomes acute and even chronic. Therefore, much depends on high-quality and effective treatment.
If, upon discovering unpleasant symptoms, a person immediately consults a doctor, there is no danger. During diagnostics, an accurate diagnosis will be made and high-quality treatment will be prescribed.
If the victim does not rush to a medical facility and tries to eliminate the problem on his own, complications may develop. In some cases, people do not complete treatment and stop taking prescribed medications to eliminate the main symptoms. This should not be done! Even if the disease has receded, the course must be completed. This will avoid relapse. In this case, the prognosis may be far from positive. Moreover, in a difficult situation, internal barley is opened with the help of surgical intervention. Meibomitis is a serious disease that requires high-quality treatment.