What can a blocked Meibomian gland develop into?

A blocked Meibomian gland can develop into a chalazion due to the nature of the blockage and the body's response to it. The Meibomian glands are responsible for secreting oils that are essential for maintaining a stable tear film and preventing evaporation of tears. When these glands become blocked, the oil can accumulate, leading to localized swelling. This can create a firm, painless lump on the eyelid known as a chalazion.

Chalazia are often associated with chronic inflammation or irritation, as the body recognizes the trapped material as a foreign body and attempts to wall it off. This condition is typically slower to develop compared to a stye, which is caused by an infection and is usually more painful and inflamed. While other conditions like conjunctivitis or dry eye syndrome may also arise from various issues with ocular health, they do not directly result from a blocked Meibomian gland in the same way that a chalazion does. Therefore, recognizing that the blockage leads specifically to the formation of a chalazion is crucial in understanding the progression of such ocular conditions.