Intraductal meibomian gland probing for the treatment of blepharitis

Abstract

ObjectiveTo describe the results of the meibomian gland probing as a treatment of severe posterior blepharitis. MethodsProspective, longitudinal study of patients with signs and symptoms of severe posterior blepharitis, who were treated with meibomian gland probing in Centro Oftalmológico Interlomas (CENOFI). A total of 16 patients were included, 62.5% female and 32.5% male, diagnosed with severe posterior blepharitis. Treatment was performed in one eye. The time of rupture of the tear film was evaluated, using a subjective scale of 0–10 photophobia, the improvement in pain and visual acuity was measured before the procedure, and at one week and 6 months after. ResultsAll the patients showed a statistically significant improvement in all 4 variables al 6 months. There were no complications. DiscussionThe dysfunction of the meibomian glands is a common reason for ophthalmology consulting. The study describes the results obtained by performing an intraductal survey, which was shown to be safe and effective in 100% of the sample. ConclusionsIt can be concluded from this study that meibomian gland probing is an effective and promising treatment for blepharitis resistant to conservative treatment.