[Intraductal meibomian gland probing for the treatment of blepharitis].

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.