Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) Lipiflow® to the Rescue!

August 30, 2021

First, what is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?  MGD is common, but you may not realize you have it.

Meibomian glands are tiny glands in the edges of your eyelids that make an oil called meibum. The combination of meibum, water, and mucus make up the tear film that keeps our eyes moist. Having less oil or less effective oil usually means that the water in your tears evaporates too quickly, leaving the eye at risk of drying out. In fact, MGD is the most common cause of dry eye syndrome. It may also lead to inflamed eyelids, especially along the rim where the glands are located.

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
A common cause of MGD is plugged meibomian glands. People of Asian ethnicity seem to be more susceptible. Other factors can include:

  • Aging
  • Wearing contact lenses
  • Allergic conjunctivitis and other eye disorders
  • Damaged eyelid
  • Bacterial infection
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Certain medications

SYMPTOMS:
In its early stage, you might not notice any symptoms, but as MGD progresses your eyes may burn, itch, or feel irritated or dry. You may have a sensation of a grain of sand or dust in your eye. Some people notice moments of blurred vision that go away when they blink. Other symptoms can be redness in the eyes or eyelids, watery eyes, and increased light sensitivity. On occasion, MGD may cause the rim of your eyelid to look bumpy or rough, though this does not happen in every case.

TREATMENT:
If you experience discomfort due to dry eyes, the first step should be to consult with your Atlantic Eye Ophthalmologist for an evaluation. We are pleased to offer Lipiflow® Thermal Pulsation system, a state-of-the-art treatment for evaporative dry eye. Lipiflow®  is a painless, 15-minute treatment that uses a combination of mild heat and gentle pressure applied to the eyelids to unclog the meibomian glands and relieve your dry eye symptoms.

If you’re experiencing any eye problem, don’t let it get worse – contact Atlantic Eye today at 732-222-7373 to make an appointment at any of our four convenient locations.