How to promote and preserve eyelid health

Abstract

Disorders of the lacrimal functional unit are common in ophthalmological practice, with meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, and dry eye forming a significant part of the general ophthalmologist’s practice. The eyelid and its associated structures form a complex organ designed to protect the fragile corneal surface and improve visual acuity. This organ is subject to a number of disorders, including meibomian gland dysfunction, dry eye syndrome, anterior blepharitis, allergic and dermatological conditions, and disorders associated with contact lens use. Although commonly described separately, disorders of the lacrimal function unit are better considered as a group of interacting pathologies that have inflammatory mediators as a central feature. Eyelid hygiene, in the sense of routine cleansing and massage of the eyelids, is well accepted in the management of many disorders of the eyelid. However, a broader concept of eyelid health may be appropriate, in which eyelid cleansing is but a part of a more complete program of care that includes screening and risk assessment, patient education, and coaching. The ophthalmologist has an important role to play in helping patients persist with routine eyelid care that may be long-term or lifelong. A number of preparations exist to make routine eyelid care both more effective and more pleasant, and might also improve compliance. Several such preparations have been devised, and are being assessed in clinical studies, and appear to be effective and preferred by patients over traditional soap and water or baby shampoo.

Effect of Radioactive Iodine Therapy on Lacrimal Gland Functions in Patients With Hyperthyroidism

“…10 The tear film can be discussed in 3 distinct parts. The lipid layer is produced by the sebaceous meibomian glands in the eyelid together with Zeiss and Moll glands.…”

“…It causes adsorption between the aqueous part and the hydrophobic corneal epithelium. 10,11 Schirmer and TBUT tests are sensitive and reliable in the assessment of the aqueous part and mucin deficiency, respectively. 5 In our study, a significant decrease was detected in the values of TBUT and Schirmer tests in patients who received RAI treatment of hyperthyroidism when compared with pretreatment values (P G 0.05).…”

<p>Improvement in ocular symptoms and signs in patients with <em>Demodex</em> anterior blepharitis using a novel terpinen-4-ol (2.5%) and hyaluronic acid (0.2%) cleansing wipe</p>

“…8 However, the management of blepharitis is frequently unsatisfactory because of insufficient patient compliance to a regular, long-term, and rigorous eyelid hygiene regimen. 9 Treatment of Demodex-associated disease is difficult and the performance of most available eyelid hygiene treatments is limited as they are not expected to kill Demodex mites. Tea tree oil (TTO) is a natural oil distilled from Melaleuca alternifolia that exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and acaricidal properties.…”

Time-dependent degenerative transformations in the lipidome of chalazia

“…The histology of chalazion is characterized by the presence of macrophages, epithelioid histiocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils, lymphocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and multinucleated giant cells that typically surround empty spaces corresponding to lipid vacuoles (Eagle, 2011). Although chalazion may be a self-limited disease, its management often represents a challenge for both the ophthalmologist and the patient, due to its recurrent incidence and/or resistance to treatment (Benitez-Del-Castillo, 2012). …”