Meibomian Cyst
A meibomian cyst is also known by other names, including as a chalazion and as a meibomian gland lipogranuloma.
A meibomian cyst is a cyst in an eyelid.
A more technical and detailed definition of a meibomian cyst is "a lesion of lipogranulomatous inflammation centered on a dysfunctional meibomian gland".
This may be explained simply in terms of inflammation due to blockage of the duct of a gland in the eyelid. That is, a meibomian cyst is the result of a swollen sebaceous gland in the eyelid, caused by chronic (long-term, peristent) inflammation following blockage of the gland's duct.
A possible root cause of a meibomian cyst is incomplete removal of eye-makeup, causing the oil from the cosmetic product(s) to gather in the glands. This condition is also relatively common in patients with posterior blepharitis.
Possible treatments:
- Topical antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be used for the initial acute infection.
- Surgical incision and curettage of the gland may be appropriate in some cases.
- Sometimes spontaneous resolution may occur, especially if the meibomian cyst is small.
Potential complications (if untreated):
- There is a risk that the blocked gland may become secondarily infected, resulting in irritation, pain, and discharge.
- A large meibomian cyst can cause astigmatism due to pressure on the cornea of the eye.
More about Ophthalmology:
This section includes short definitions
of many diseases, disorders, and conditions of the eyes and visual system.
For definitions of other terms in this category, choose from the list
to the left (but note that this is not a complete/exhaustive list).
Other related pages include
- A diagram of the eye
- Definitions and descriptions of the parts of the eye
- A concise description of the human retina
- Definitions of parts of the retina
- Clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system
For further information see also our pages of books about ophthalmology.
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