What is a Meibomian?

I often find myself talking to patients about little glands at the edge of the eyelid. Some of these glands are Meibomian glands, which produce an oily substance that helps with lubrication of the eye. These are some of the glands that can become blocked and lead to red inflamed bumps on the edge of the eyelid. Even if they don’t get blocked and lead to a big bump, “small” problems with their secretions can cause problems with eye lubrication. Having Meibomian glands that don’t work well, or Meibomian gland dysfunction, is a big contributor to dry eye symptoms like tearing, eye pain (scratchiness/burning), and blurred vision.