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Could the Squeezing Ability of Meibomian Glands Get Directly Impacted by the Removal of Muscle & Fat After Blepharoplasty?

asked 4 months ago by dog in ca
Latest answer by A.J. Amadi, MD
Question viewed 87 times
Tags: fat, function, gland, removal, squeeze

Could the squeezing ability of the meibomian glands get directly impacted by the removal of muscles & fat attached to the under eye fatty tissue during a blepharoplasty?

3 answers to Could the Squeezing Ability of Meibomian Glands Get Directly Impacted by the Removal of Muscle & Fat After Blepharoplasty?

+2

This is not out of the question.

Meibomian gland dysfunction after belpharoplasty is not well studied. In my experience damage to the orbicularis oculi muscle from lower blepharoplasty can make existing meibomitis worse. Can motor injury to the orbicularis oculi muscle also have a direct bearing on function of these glands. This is a good question and the answer is probably yes it can. See an ophthalmologist or oculoplastic surgeon for help with these issues.
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Interesting theory

The eyelid blink is a well accepted as performing a "tear pump" action on propelling tears into the tear sac and nose. The effect on the expulsion of oil from the meibomian glands has never been studied as it relates to eyelid muscle [orbicularis oculi] function. Based on the anatomy, it would seem unlikely that the eyelid muscle "squeezes" oil out of the gland, because the meibomian glands reside within the tarsus [the part of the eyelid that gives it the... more
A.J. Amadi, MD

Seattle Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Meibomian gland problems are not typical with blepharoplasty

I'll assume you already know something about eyelid anatomy because I have not had a single patient (in tens of thousands) ever specifically ask about the Meibomian glands! But it is a good question. The majority of the "pump function" of the eyelid muscles relates to the tear outflow system and eyelid closure. Thus, aggressive blepharoplasty with removal of too much orbicularis muscle can cause tearing, hanging out or down of the eyelid (ectropion) or problems with closing the... more
Evan Black, MD

Detroit Oculoplastic Surgeon

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