Everything You Need to Know about Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
If your eyes itch, burn, sting, look red, or you have a constant feeling of something being lodged in your eye, you may have a condition called Meibomian (“my-BOH-mee-an”) Gland Dysfunction, or MGD.
MGD is the leading cause of dry eyes.
What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
Our tears are made up of three components: the lipid (oil) layer, aqueous (water) layer, and the mucus (sticky) layer. These components work in unison to lubricate and coat the eyes, keeping them moist and comfortable.
Your meibomian glands control the lipids in the eye (meibum) which combine with water and mucus in the eye area to create a thin film that consistently lubricates your eyes.
Meibum is an essential part of your eye’s makeup as it prevents the evaporation of the eye’s tear film.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction occurs when the meibomian glands fail to provide enough meibum.
This can be triggered by various factors and causes the tear film to evaporate at a quicker rate, leading the eyes to feel dry and uncomfortable.
What are the Symptoms of MGD?
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 and dry sensation
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Watery eyes
- Red, sore and gritty eyes
- Crusty or sticky eyelids
The increased use of air conditioning or heating systems in the summer and winter months may intensify symptoms. Humid climates, extreme temperatures, and dusty and windy conditions may aggravate eye dryness and itchiness as well.
What are the Causes of MGD?
- Age: MGD tends to manifest in older people, particularly in women during and after menopause
- Medications: particularly retinoic acid (acne treatment), HRT (hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women), antidepressants, and antihistamines
- Poor eyelid hygiene or living in polluted air atmosphere
- Pregnancy
- Wearing contact lenses for an extended period of time
- Immune system disorders: atopic rosacea, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome
Excessive screen time has also been linked to the development of MGD. Staring at a screen on your TV, smartphone, computer or tablet, causes you to blink less frequently.
Blinking naturally moisturizes your eyes, and by doing so, clears any small particles that may have accidentally lodged in your eye. Less frequent blinking results in dryer eyes, which can harm the long-term ability of your meibomian glands to function properly.
What are the Solutions for MGD?
Treatments for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction range from self-administered or practitioner-administered treatments and typically involve a few methods, such as artificial tears, heat application, and manual gland expression.
Our office usually suggests applying warm compresses over your eyelids as a first course of action. This gently opens the clogged glands and loosens the oil that may have accumulated. Warm compresses can provide temporary relief.
Further therapies used to manage MGD include omega-3 supplementation, topical antibiotics, oral tetracyclines to reduce the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, corticosteroids, or topical cyclosporine.
People with MGD commonly purchase over-the-counter eye drops to lubricate their eyes. Unfortunately, these drops tend to provide only transient relief, because, without an adequate layer of Meibomian Gland oil, the liquid from the drops simply evaporate off of the eye.
Think You Have MGD? We Can Help
If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms or conditions, then reach out to the Shaughnessy Optometry Dry Eye Center.
Based on the degree of your condition, symptoms, and lifestyle, Dr Amar Bains and Dr Meg Sexsmith will recommend the best course of treatment for you.