Eyelid margin and meibomian glands

The eyelid margin and meibomian glands are anatomical structures essential for maintaining ocular surface homeostasis and tear film stability (StatPearls, NBK532271). The meibomian glands are specialized sebaceous glands located within the tarsal plates of the eyelids that secrete meibum, a complex mixture of lipids that forms the outermost layer of the precorneal tear film (NIH, NEI). This lipid layer is critical for preventing the evaporation of the aqueous component of tears and providing a smooth optical surface for vision. Dysfunction of these glands, known as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), is a leading cause of evaporative dry eye disease and is frequently associated with chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin, or blepharitis (AAO). While not a single molecular target, this anatomical region is the focus of various pharmacological interventions, including lipid-replenishing drops like perfluorohexyloctane and anti-inflammatory agents like cyclosporine, which aim to restore the quality of the tear film and reduce ocular surface damage (PubMed, 37213105).

Other names

Meibomian glandsTarsal glandsPalpebral glandsGlandulae tarsales

Therapeutic agents act by replenishing the lipid layer of the tear film, inhibiting inflammatory cytokines, or reducing bacterial lipase activity to improve meibum viscosity and flow.