Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
What Is IT?
The meibomian glands are on our eyelids and produce an oil called meibum. Meibum helps to protect our eye surface, by keeping our tear film stable and help to our tears evaporating.
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is characterised by poor quality meibum and blocked or swollen glands.
What causes it?
We don’t know exactly, but the mebomian glands get blocked, inflamed and cause lid line irritation. MGD can be associated with seborrheic dermatitis, hormone deficiency, and diet
Signs and Symptoms
MGD can have a range of symptoms depending on duration and severity.
Some symptoms you could experience include:
Styes (blockage of meibomian gland).
Burning/irritation of eyelids.
Gritty/dry eyes.
Pink/red eyes. Sometimes including light sensitivity.
Treatment
Your optometrist is the ideal person to help identify which treatments will be helpful for you.
Some treatment options include prescription eye drop and ointments, oral antibiotics, lid cleaning regimes, omega-3 supplements, hot compresses and lubricating eye drops..
Specialist Treatment
Your optometrist or ophthalmologist (especially one with a special interest in dry eye) can help choose the best options for you. For more complex or chronic cases of MGD meibomian gland expression, IPL therapy, in-office lid heat treatment, autologous serum eye drops, and punctal plugs can be an option.
Related Conditions
Dry Eye and blepharitis (link)
synopsis
A common cause of dry eye.
Red and swollen lids.
Consult your optometrist to determine best management.