Table 1.
Reduced number of glands |
Congenital deficiency |
Replacement of glands |
Distichiasis |
Distichiasis lymphoedema syndrome |
Metaplastic disease of the meibomian gland |
Meibomian gland dysfunction |
Hypersecretory* |
Meibomian seborrhea |
Hyposecretory† |
Retinoid toxicity |
Obstructive |
Subclinical |
Cicatricial or noncicatricial |
Focal or diffuse |
Primary, or secondary to: |
Local disease |
Anterior blepharitis; |
Cicatricial conjunctivitis (e.g. Trachoma; Stevens-Johnson syndrome, pemphigoid; acne rosacea, atopy |
Chemical burns |
Systemic disease |
Seborrheic dermatitis |
Acne rosacea |
Atopy |
Ichthyosis |
Psoriasis |
Anhydrotic ectodermal dysplasia |
Ectrodactyly |
Fungal disease |
Turner syndrome |
Toxicity |
PCB exposure; retinoids |
Other (ocular) |
Internal hordeolum |
Chalazion |
Concretions |
Neoplasia |
Although there is evidence for an accumulation of meibomian oil within the glands, there is none yet for overproduction, as opposed to excessive release on expression.
Hypothetical: Evidence is not available for a condition of primary hyposecretion.