Radiation-Induced Atrophy of the Meibomian Glands

• Acute and persistent involutional atrophy of the Meibomian glands of the eyelids, which is, to our knowledge, a previously unreported histopathologic sequela of x-irradiation, was noted in eight different exenteration specimens removed days to years following preoperative irradiation given to malignant tumors in adjacent tissues, usually the paranasal sinuses. Also noted was postirradiation persistent involutional atrophy of a lacrimal gland in one patient and absence of accessory lacrimal glands in six patients.