[Intraductal meibomian gland probing for the treatment of blepharitis]

Abstract

Objective: To describe the results of the meibomian gland probing as a treatment of severe posterior blepharitis.

Methods: Prospective, 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.

Results: All the patients showed a statistically significant improvement in all 4 variables al 6 months. There were no complications.

Discussion: The 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.

Conclusions: It can be concluded from this study that meibomian gland probing is an effective and promising treatment for blepharitis resistant to conservative treatment.

Keywords: Blefaritis; Blepharitis; Cannulas; Canula; Gland; Glándula; Meibomian; Meibomio; Probing; Sondeo; Tratamiento; Treatment.