Exploring the Role of the Zeis Gland in Dry Eye Disease Associated with Demodex Blepharitis.

StudyJournal of ocular pharmacology and therapeutics : the official journal of the Association for Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics· Jul 2026

Exploring the Role of the Zeis Gland in Dry Eye Disease Associated with Demodex Blepharitis.

Ashley Nguyen, Michel M Sun, Jeff Penzner … Michael R Robinson

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CorneaStudyQ2IF 2.1

Surrogate Zeis gland fluid reached the tear film in most healthy eyes tested.

Exploring the Role of the Zeis Gland in Dry Eye Disease Associated with Demodex Blepharitis.

Ashley Nguyen … Michael R Robinson

Journal of ocular pharmacology and therapeutics · Jul 2026 · Q2 in Ophthalmology

Background

Information on the role of Zeis glands is limited.

Purpose

Demodex blepharitis is caused by Demodex mite infestation of the eyelash follicles and associated sebaceous glands (the glands of Zeis) and is often associated with tear film instability and dry eye disease (dry eye disease).

Methods

The blinking status of each eye (partial or complete blinker) was assessed with interferometry.

n = 20 subjects

Results

in most eyes, the fluid reached the eye's tear film

2 min

45%

5 min

60%

“

Conclusion · 1 of 3

A surrogate Zeis gland secretion accessed the tear film in most eyes, suggesting that Zeis gland secretions may contribute to the tear film.

Conclusion · 2 of 3

In Demodex blepharitis, abnormal or reduced lipid production from the Zeis and/or meibomian glands may contribute to dry eye disease.

Conclusion · 3 of 3

Further research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms of dry eye disease in patients with Demodex blepharitis.

Exploring the Role of the Zeis Gland in Dry Eye Disease Associated with Demodex Blepharitis.

Exploring the Role of the Zeis Gland in Dry Eye Disease Associated with Demodex Blepharitis.

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