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Meibomian Gland Disease (MGD)

For years, dry eye has been treated with surface or corneal related therapies due the belief that the eye did not have enough tears or at least the inability to produce tears. What was eventually discovered was that most cases of dry eye stem from the clogging of a gland known as the Meibomian Gland Disease (MGD). Certain symptoms can include blurry vision, discomfort, excess tearing, lid irritation, or even burning sensations.

It is commonly known today that over 86% of the dry eye cases are due to MGD. This disease occurs when the meibomian glands, located in the eyelids, do not sufficiently produce and release the oils needed to protect and maintain a healthy tear film. This causes the watery layer in the tear film to evaporate. Thus, the problem for many dry eye patients is not inadequate tear production, as thought for so many years, but a lack of oil production that ensures the protective integrity of the tear film is maintained on a daily basis.

When a patient has MGD, the pores are moderately to severely blocked and can also have an oil deficiency. Various factors such as dust, make-up, pollen, blepharitis scales or wearing contact lenses can block these pores. No matter what factor caused the pores to be blocked, opening them is the road to victory over this disease.

Treatments for Meibomian Gland Disease (MGD)

Treatment of MGD is designed to restore the normal flow of meibomian gland secretions, thereby increasing the likelihood of a healthy lipid layer and consequently reducing tear evaporation and enhancing tear film stability.

• LipiFlow®
  A heat treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. You may have head that clogged oil glands are part of the problem for dry eyes. Lipiflow helps to remove these blockages in a warm, soothing way.

• Heating pad with vitamin therapy (also apply massage)
  The vitamin therapy involves a heavy dose of Omega 3 fatty acid (2 1000Mg per day)

• Heat Therapy
  The application of heat to the eyelids has traditionally been implemented by using warm compresses.

• Lid scrubs
  Lid scrubs, although primarily suggested for anterior blepharitis, can help remove crusts and inspissated secretions blocking the gland orifice.

• Intraductal probing
  An alternative to the more conventional heat and expression is physical probing of each individual meibomian gland orifice.