File:Meibomian-glands.alt=Meibomian<unk> s in the lower eyelid imaged under amber light to show vasculature support and the<unk>  structure epiCam.|Meibomian<unk> s in the lower eyelid imaged under amber light to show vasculature support and the<unk>  structure. Dysfunctional<unk> s often cause dry eyes, one of the more common eye conditions. They may also contribute to blepharitis. Inflammation of the<unk> s (also known as meibomitis,<unk>  dysfunction, or posterior blepharitis) causes the<unk> s to be obstructed by thick, cloudy-to-yellow, more opaque and viscous-like, oily and waxy secretions, a change from the<unk> s' normal clear secretions. Besides leading to dry eyes, the obstructions can be degraded by bacterial lipases, resulting in the formation of free fatty acids, which irritate the eyes and sometimes cause punctate keratopathy.<unk>  dysfunction is more often seen in women, and is regarded as the main cause of dry eye disease. Factors that contribute to<unk>  dysfunction can include things such as a person's age and/or hormones, or severe infestation of Demodex brevis mite. Treatment can include warm compresses to thin the secretions and eyelid scrubs with baby shampoo or eyelid cleanser, or emptying ("expression") of the<unk>  by a professional. Lifitegrast and Restasis are topical medication commonly used to control the inflammation and improve the oil quality. In some cases topical steroids and topical (drops or ointment)/oral antibiotics (to reduce bacteria on the lid margin) are also prescribed to reduce inflammation. Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments have also been shown to reduce inflammation and improve<unk>  function.<unk>  probing is also used on patients who experience deep clogging of the<unk> s.<unk>  dysfunction may be caused by some prescription medications, notably isotretinoin. A blocked<unk>  can cause a chalazion (or<unk>  cyst") to form in the eyelid.
Meibomian gland
Serous gland
Areolar gland
Callus
Skene's gland
Subfornical organ
Ciaccio's glands
Cryptocotyle