Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Inflammatory Ocular Surface Changes Associated with Chronic Dermatoses

Chronic inflammatory dermatoses are increasingly recognized as systemic diseases whose manifestations may also involve the eye. One of the most commonly observed ophthalmic abnormalities is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which leads to tear film instability, dry eye disease, and chronic ocular surface inflammation. This review aimed to summarize the current evidence on the association between chronic dermatoses and MGD, as well as inflammatory changes in the ocular surface. This article is a narrative review of the literature. The analysis was based on publications identified through PubMed and supplementary Europe PMC searches up to October 2026, including clinical studies, meta-analyses, and review articles addressing MGD in chronic dermatoses. Small clinical studies describe an association between MGD and rosacea, in which meibomian gland dysfunction represents one of the major mechanisms underlying ocular surface changes. A growing body of evidence also indicates an increased prevalence of MGD among patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Data on seborrheic dermatitis and hidradenitis suppurativa remain limited. Studies in seborrheic dermatitis assessed the meibomian glands. In hidradenitis suppurativa, studies reported ocular symptoms and inflammation without assessing gland structure or function. Meibomian gland abnormalities have also been reported in patients with acne vulgaris, particularly during oral isotretinoin therapy, as well as in ichthyosis, in Demodex blepharitis, and in cicatrizing disorders of the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, including Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, mucous membrane pemphigoid, and chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease. These findings indicate that, in addition to chronic inflammation, abnormal keratinization, drug-related effects, and permanent structural alterations of the ocular surface may contribute to the development of MGD. The available evidence highlights MGD as an important component of the ophthalmic manifestations of chronic dermatoses and underscores the need for close collaboration between dermatologists and ophthalmologists in the diagnosis and management of these patients. Further studies using standardized methods to assess meibomian gland function and morphology are needed to better define the role of MGD across individual dermatoses.