A meibomian cyst is also known as a chalazion
and 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. However 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 the diagram
of the eye, and definitions
of parts of the eye, a description
of the human retina, and definitions
of parts of the retina, and the section of short definitions
of clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system.
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Diseases
and Disorders of the Eyes and Visual System.
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