What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) ?
The Dry Eye Center of Maryland has helped patients, from Columbia and all around Maryland, with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and specializes in the treatment of dry eye since 1975.
If your eyes are feeling dry and bothering you, it’s very important to have a thorough dry eye examination to properly diagnose the cause(s). If you have more than one condition (e.g. dry eye, allergies, blepharitis, ocular rosacea, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), contact lens-related issues, conjunctivochalasis, Demodex, other) it is imperative that each is identified and properly treated.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is a chronic, diffuse abnormality of the glands in your eyelids known as meibomian glands. Meibomian gland dysfunction is often associated with blepharitis, ocular rosacea, and/or Demodex. The meibomian glands are oil-producing glands in both your upper and lower eyelids. The oil produced by these glands forms the outermost layer of your tear film. This oil layer protects your tears from rapidly evaporating. When these oils are reduced or eliminated, your tears evaporate from the surface of your eyes quickly and your eyes become much drier. This is especially true when you are engaged in visually intense tasks such as reading (books, magazines, newspapers), staring at a computer, cell phone, or tablet screen, watching television, driving, etc.
When the meibomian glands are healthy, the oil they produce has the consistency of olive oil. When the glands are inflamed, the oils they produce become thickened, having a consistency more like that of toothpaste, leading to clogging of your meibomian glands. When your meibomian glands become clogged, the oil layer is not contributed to your tear film; your eyes become drier, and more irritated and inflamed. This inflammation causes damage to the surface of your eyes and your tear producing glands. Additionally, the back pressure caused by the clogging of your meibomian glands results in damage to the glands, with gland shortening, atrophy and death.
Untreated, meibomian gland dysfunction is chronic and progressive. Allowed to progress, the damage to meibomian glands is irreparable and can lead to significant discomfort with dry, red, irritated and inflamed eyes, recurrent infections, scarring of the surface of your eyes, and decreased vision.
Unfortunately, lost meibomian glands do not have the ability to spontaneously regenerate.
Blepharitis, ocular rosacea, and meibomian gland dysfunction are very closely related. They all cause damage to your meibomian glands secondary to inflammation, thickening of the meibomian glands’ contents, clogging of the glands, decreased oil production, and the accumulation of a biofilm on your eyelids.
Symptoms of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
Many people with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) are completely unaware that they have any issue, while others have one or more of the symptoms.
Common Symptoms caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) Dry Eye include:
- Lid infections
- Crusted eyelashes
- Dryness of the eye
- Sandy or gritty feeling
- Flaking of the skin around the eyes
- Burning, itching
- Contact lens discomfort
- Blepharitis
- Light sensitivity
- Redness, sties
- Tired Eyes
- Eye pain or soreness
- Constant or occasional tearing
- Fluctuation of vision
We'll Diagnose
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
Let’s get to the point and figure out if you have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) dry eye and what’s causing it. The EYEBIOMETRICS® EVALUATION determines the form of dry eye, tear film abnormalities, and identifies potential Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) treatment strategies. Careful clinical observation, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate intervention can eliminate or minimize the deleterious effects of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and ocular surface disease for quality of life and providing relief.
We'll Treat &
Manage It
Once we diagnose your Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) dry eye, we will develop a treatment plan that is customized just for you. Regardless of what you may have been told before, you can benefit from a successful Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) treatment plan that will relieve the pain, itching, and vision problems associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye. We can return you to clear vision and easy sight. We have relieved dry eye for thousands of patients and we will do it for you.
Lid Hygiene for
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
Patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) are commonly afflicted with crusted eyelashes and lids causing dryness and infections. While there are many different levels of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) treatment,lid hygiene has been the standard of care for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Thousands of patients have been helped with lid hygiene, which is used to exfoliate the eyelid, removing debris that can build up over time causing obstruction and loss of your meibomian glands. Poor lid hygiene can lead to chronic lid disease and discomfort and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Early detection and intervention is essential to the long-term health and comfort of your eyes.
Relief From
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
With the right treatment plan we can treat your Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) dry eye. There are many options for treating Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and we utilize our vast knowledge, experience, and latest technology to customize a treatment plan that is tailored for each individual patient. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye therapies can include, artificial tears and lubricating eye drops, over-the-counter (OTC) and/or prescription eye drops, BlephEx, lid hygiene, lid margin debridement to remove bacteria, biofilm, and Demodex mites from your eyelids and open clogged meibomian glands, and many more treatment options.