Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Everything You Need To Know
Do your eyes itch, burn, sting, or look red? Does it feel like something is stuck in your eye? If you’ve tried over-the-counter solutions without any relief, you may have a condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, or MGD. This condition is the leading cause of Dry Eye Syndrome.
Dr. Tina Tsai and Dr. Lindsey Rosencrans see patients from all over the Portland area who have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. If you have MGD contact The Eye Studio, we can help. Let us provide you with the long-term relief you need.
What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
Tears are more than just fluid in the eye. They have a chemical makeup comprised of water, enzymes, proteins, and oils. Your meibomian glands, located by your eyelashes in the upper and lower eyelids, naturally secrete these oils, which act as a protective shell to keep the tear film on your eye. It lubricates and coats your eyes, keeping them moist and comfortable. Sometimes, the meibomian glands can become clogged, and when that happens, the oil can’t moisturize your eyes. This is known as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
In addition to the meibomian glands, excessive screen time has been linked to the development of MGD. That’s because when you stare at a screen on your TV, smartphone, computer or tablet, you blink less. Blinking naturally moisturizes your eyes, and it can also clear any small particles that may accidentally get into your eye. A reduced amount of blinking can make your eyes feel more dry or itchy, increasing the discomfort.
What Do The Meibomian Glands Do?
Your meibomian glands control an oily substance called meibum. It combines with other substances in the eye area to create a thin film that consistently lubricates your eyes. Meibum is an essential part of your eye’s makeup because it prevents the evaporation of the eye’s tear film.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction stops meibum from naturally being released, which makes the tear film evaporate faster. When this happens, your eyes can feel dry and uncomfortable.
What Are The Symptoms Of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction causes some uncomfortable reactions. Depending on your specific case, your symptoms may be mild or severe, quick or long-lasting.
The most common symptoms of MGD include:
Blurry vision, Burning, Dryness, Feeling as if there’s something in your eye, Gritty feeling, Itchy eyes, Redness, Sensitivity to light, Stinging and Soreness
During the summer or winter months, your symptoms may intensify. This happens when air conditioning or heating systems are often in use. Being in the direct path of cold or hot air can increase the dryness, pain, or itchiness. Climates with humidity and high winds can cause the same results.
If left untreated, your meibomian glands can stop functioning completely, causing even more symptoms and long-term discomfort. That’s why it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Treatment For Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction typically involves a few methods. Dr. Tina Tsai and Dr. Lindsey Rosencrans usually suggest applying warm compresses over your eyelids as a first course of action. These can gently open the clogged glands and loosen the oil that may have accumulated. Warm compresses can give you temporary relief, but this does not alleviate the discomfort for long. Too much use can cause excessive pressure on the eye areas, as well.
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medicated eye drops may relieve some of the symptoms of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, such as redness and swelling. Talk to your eye doctor about whether this is an option for you.
Medical Technologies For Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Each patient’s case of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction is unique. Some may need mild treatment while others require more intense care. Our eye doctor can determine the right choice for your condition to get you the best possible results.
We have some of the latest treatment options for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction including Intense Pulsed Light, LipiFlow®, LipiScan®, TearLab, and the Bruder Mask. Some of these devices use heat to gently release the blockage of the meibomian glands, while others analyze the makeup of your tears to determine how severe the clogged glands are:
Intense Pulsed Light
heats the skin around the eye area and dislodges the oil buildup. This treatment directly targets the source – the blood vessels which surround the glands. Once this happens, the glands can once again secrete the oils naturally, resuming their moisturizing effects.
The LipiFlow®
device applies warmth and gentle pressure directly to the meibomian glands, liquefying the blockage. The doctor is then able to remove it from the area, flushing out any dead cells, leaving your glands clear and comfortable.
LipiScan®
is a medical device that captures high-definition images of the meibomian glands. Both lower eyelids can be completed in 60 seconds for a quick and effective imaging process. This gives the eye doctor a close view of your meibomian glands, allowing for a faster and more accurate diagnosis.
TearLab
is a 3-in-1 medical device that measures the level of saltiness in your tears. The doctor takes a tiny sample of your tear fluid, which takes less than 30 seconds to collect. This allows for a quick and painless procedure.
The Bruder Mask
is a heated compress that sits over your eyes, almost like a large, soft beauty mask. Inside each side of the mask are tiny beads that are warmed and release gentle heat. This heat opens the oil glands and helps restore the oil secretion back into the eyes.
Depending on your case of MGD, the doctor may suggest a combination of treatments to encourage a successful outcome. Intense Pulsed Light combined with manual expression has been shown to significantly improve dry eye symptoms, including Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
How We Can Help
During your appointment, you’ll discuss the various treatment options with the doctor. Based on the degree of your condition, symptoms, and lifestyle, Dr. Tina Tsai and Dr. Lindsey Rosencrans will recommend the best course of treatment for you.
In addition to medical procedures to relieve MGD and dry eye pain, the doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroids. These can help reduce inflammation. If you notice any swelling, talk to your doctor about topical medications.
The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner we can give you the relief you’ve been looking for.