What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Meibomian gland dysfunction also known as MGD or meibomianitis, is a disorder of the oil glands that are found on the lid margin just behind your lash line. The meibomian glands produce oil secretions and make up the oily layer of your tear film. The tear film is the liquid layer that protects the front of eyes, keeps the eyes lubricated and prevents dry eyes. The oily layer of your tear film prevents your tear film from evaporating. You have approximately 20-40 glands per lid.

Meibomian gland dysfunction is where the oil glands are either obstructed or function abnormally.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction - Symptoms

• Red eyelids

• Swollen eyelids

• Bruised feeling on blinking

• Dry eyes

• Gritty sensation in the eyes

• Sore eyes

• Blurring of the vision intermittently

• Watery eyes

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction - Causes

• Occurs at any age, but more prevalent in over 50’s

• Asian ethnicity are more prone

• Blepharitis

• Skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis etc

• Autoimmune disorders

• Certain medications

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction - Treatments

• Hot compresses of the eyelids with a heated eye bag for 20mins a day, is very useful. The heat from the eye bag will soften the obstructions in the meibomian glands. The heated eye bag is more effective than using a warm flannel, as an eye bag will retain the heat for up to 20 minutes.

• Follow this with a lid massage for each eyelid. Using your forefinger, bring your finger up to or down to the lashes firmly, this should be done all the way along the eyelid.

• Take omega 3 supplements, research indicates they may decrease further bouts of Meibomian gland dysfunction

These other treatment options are available but NOT from Eyedeal Vision:

• Meibomian gland probing is the unclogging of the Meibomian gland using an instrument to open and probe the oil gland.

• Antibacterial eye drops can be used if there is an infection or severe inflammation.

• Lipiflow thermal pulsation heats the eyelids and melts the obstructions in the meibomian glands, this is followed with manually expressing the glands to remove the blockage.

• Prescription only cyclosporine eye drops to treat chronic dry eyes.