Everything You Need to Know About Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
If you experience itching, burning, stinging, redness, or a persistent sensation of something in your eye, you might be dealing with a condition known as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). This condition is the primary cause of Dry Eye Syndrome.
Residents of The Woodlands area who are suffering from Meibomian Gland Dysfunction can find relief at Child & Family Eye Care. If you have any of these symptoms or suspect you have MGD, don't hesitate to contact us. Our skilled doctors can provide the long-term relief you need.
What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
The tear film in our eyes consists of three layers: the oil (lipid) layer, the water (aqueous) layer, and the sticky (mucus) layer. These layers work together to lubricate and protect the eyes, ensuring they stay moist and comfortable.
The meibomian glands regulate the production of lipids (meibum) in the eyes. Meibum combines with water and mucus to form a thin film that continuously lubricates the eyes. Meibum is crucial for preventing the evaporation of the tear film.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction occurs when the meibomian glands fail to produce sufficient meibum. This can be triggered by various factors and leads to faster evaporation of the tear film, resulting in dry and uncomfortable eyes.
What Are the Symptoms of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
The symptoms of MGD can range from mild to severe, and they can be short-lived or persistent, depending on each individual case.
Common symptoms of MGD include:
- Blurry vision
- Burning and dry sensation
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Excessive tearing
- Redness, soreness, and grittiness in the eyes
- Crusty or sticky eyelids
Using air conditioning or heating systems extensively during summer and winter months may worsen the symptoms. Additionally, humid climates, extreme temperatures, and dusty or windy conditions can aggravate eye dryness and itchiness.
What are the Causes of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
Several factors can contribute to the development of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, including:
- Age: MGD is more common in older individuals, particularly women during and after menopause.
- Certain medications: Retinoic acid (used in acne treatment), hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal women, antidepressants, antihistamines, and anti-androgen medication (used for treating prostatic hypertrophy) can contribute to MGD.
- Endocrine disorders
- Pregnancy
- Prolonged use of contact lenses
- Immune system disorders: Atopic rosacea, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome.
Excessive screen time has also been linked to the development of MGD. When you stare at screens on devices like TVs, smartphones, computers, or tablets, your blinking frequency decreases. Blinking naturally moisturizes your eyes and helps clear any small particles that may have entered your eye. Reduced blinking results in drier eyes, which can negatively impact the long-term functioning of your meibomian glands.
What are the Solutions for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
The treatment options for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction include self-administered or practitioner-administered methods. They typically involve a combination of artificial tears, heat application, and manual gland expression. At Child & Family Eye Care, our doctors usually recommend starting with warm compresses applied to the eyelids. This gentle technique opens clogged glands and loosens accumulated oil, providing temporary relief.
Other therapeutic approaches to manage MGD include omega-3 supplementation, topical antibiotics, oral tetracyclines to reduce inflammation, corticosteroids, or topical cyclosporine.
Many individuals with MGD resort to over-the-counter eye drops to lubricate their eyes. However, these drops often offer only temporary relief because without an adequate layer of meibomian gland oil, the liquid from the drops tends to evaporate quickly. At Child & Family Eye Care, our doctors can recommend suitable eye drops or other treatments tailored to your specific dry eye condition, improving your overall comfort levels.
Think You Have MGD? We Can Help
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or suspect you have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, don't hesitate to reach out to Child & Family Eye Care. Our skilled doctors will evaluate the severity of your condition, consider your symptoms and lifestyle, and recommend the most suitable treatment options for you.
Our practice proudly serves patients from The Woodlands, Magnolia, Shenandoah, Tomball, and other surrounding communities in Texas.
"I visited Child & Family Eye Care and was impressed by the professionalism and courtesy of everyone there. Our doctors conducted a thorough evaluation and provided treatment accordingly. I'm delighted to say that my eyes feel comfortable again, and my vision has returned to its pre-condition state."