Tarsus (eyelids) is a groove in the inner surface of each eyelid. Along the inner margin of the tarsus are modified sebaceous glands known as tarsal glands (or meibomian glands), aligned vertically within the tarsi: 30 to 40 glands in the upper lid, and 20 to 30 in the lower lid, which secrete a lipid-rich product which helps keep the lacrimal secretions or tears from evaporating too quickly, thus keeping the eye moist. Tarsus (eyelids) The tarsi (tarsal plates) are two comparatively thick, elongated plates of dense connective tissue, about in length; one is found in each eyelid, and contributes to its
Thygeson's superficial punctate keratopathy months or years. The causes of TSPK are currently not yet well known. However, there seem to be indications that dysfunctioning of the Meibomian gland can cause the condition. Inflammation of the meibomian glands (also known as meibomitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, or posterior blepharitis) causes the glands to be obstructed by thick waxy secretions. Besides leading to dry eyes, the obstructions can be degraded by bacterial lipases, resulting in the formation of free fatty acids, which irritate the eyes and sometimes cause punctate keratopathy. There are a number of different treatments to deal with TSPK. Symptoms may disappear if untreated,