What is meibography?

Diagnostics6 September 20264 min read

Meibography is one of the key examinations in dry eye disease: it shows non-invasively how much functional gland tissue remains within the lid margins.

Medically reviewed by the ophthalmic team of Lux Augenzentrum, Zurich· Last medically reviewed: 2026-09-15

Clinic monitor showing an infrared meibography image with bright meibomian glands in an everted lower lid — In meibography, intact glands appear as regular, bright structures.

How the examination works

The lid is gently everted and imaged with infrared light. The capture takes only seconds, needs no drops and is not painful, although everting the lid can feel briefly unfamiliar.

In the image the glands appear as elongated bright structures. Missing, shortened or irregular areas suggest gland loss (drop-out).

What the image does and does not show

Meibography shows structure, not function. It answers how much gland tissue is present, not automatically how much lipid is delivered. That is why we combine it with break-up time, lipid layer assessment, tear meniscus height and blink analysis.

People without symptoms can show isolated changes too. A reliable interpretation comes only from images, measurements and symptoms together.

Why the image guides treatment

Where gland tissue is preserved but functionally obstructed, warming, lid hygiene and possibly light-based modalities are central. Where loss is pronounced, the focus shifts to protecting and stabilising the surface.

Because images are documented, changes can be compared over time – an objective basis for treatment decisions.

This website provides general information and does not replace an individual ophthalmic examination, diagnosis or treatment. Outcomes vary between individuals. Seek urgent medical care for sudden pain, loss of vision or eye injury.

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