A chalazion is a clogged oil gland of the eyelid. These are quite common and have many predisposing risk factors: poor eyelid hygiene, eyelid infections, hormonal changes, ocular rosacea, chronic immune deficiency, chronic bacterial buildup or inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis), and others.

Demodex are microscopic, parasitic mites that live on the skin and hair follicles of the face including the eyelids and eyelashes. They feed on the oil content of sebaceous glands in the skin and the oil (meibum) in the meibomian glands of the eyes.

Meibomian glands are large oil-producing glands present in the eyelids. Healthy glands are necessary to maintain stable, adequate ocular surface lubrication. In meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), these glands become clogged or inflamed leading to a reduction in the amount of oil (meibum) in the tear film.

If you’ve never experienced chronic dry eye, it’s hard to explain just how much it can control your life. But if you have, you probably know the feeling—The raw, stinging sensation. The gritty “sandpaper” dryness the moment you open your eyes.