What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
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Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is one of the most common eye diseases and is the leading cause of evaporative ocular surface disease. The upper eyelids and lower eyelids have Meibomian glands near the eyelid margins. Normal blinking makes the Meibomian glands excrete oil. This oil is an important component of the tears as it prevents the eye surface from drying out and the tears from evaporating too quickly. Changes to the amount or quality of the oil, or to the glands themselves, can lead to MGD.
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What Causes Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
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MGD is a common and often chronic problem. It is most often a result of aging but can also result from: ethnicity, general health problems (allergies, high cholesterol, endocrine disorders, pregnancy, menopause, rosacea, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s Syndrome), medications (oral contraceptives, retinoic acid, hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants, antihistamines, androgen medications), environmental factors, contact lens overwear, abnormal blinking, make-up, and others that we may discuss with you.
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What are Symptoms of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
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MGD can make it more difficult to perform some activities, such as using a computer or reading for an extended period, and it can decrease tolerance for dry environments. In the early stages, you may not have any symptoms. MGD can produce a wide range of symptoms including:
If left untreated, excessive inflammation can damage the ocular surface tissue and decrease vision. We may perform additional ocular surface testing to determine how to tailor your management. We may also request that you return for additional testing and follow-up examinations. |
Management of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
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The goal of treatment of MGD is to improve the flow of the meibomian gland secretions to improve tear film stability.
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