A chalazion is caused by the blockage of which type of gland?

A chalazion is caused by the blockage of the meibomian glands. These glands are located within the eyelids and are responsible for producing the oily component of the tear film. When a meibomian gland becomes blocked, the secretion can accumulate, leading to inflammation and the formation of a chalazion.

This blockage can result from various factors, including non-infectious inflammation or irritation. Unlike a stye, which is an infection of the gland, a chalazion is often a result of a non-infectious blockage and may not be painful or red initially. Therefore, understanding the role of meibomian glands in maintaining healthy tear film and their association with chalazia is crucial in optometry practice.

The other types of glands mentioned, such as ciliary, tarsal, and corneal glands, have different functions and are not connected to the formation of a chalazion. The ciliary glands are associated with producing the aqueous component of tears, tarsal glands (which include the meibomian glands) are specifically involved in lipid production, and corneal glands are more related to corneal health rather than eyelid issues. Thus, the blockage of meibomian glands is