What is meibomian gland dysfunction?

Have you ever woken up with dry eyes, or felt like there was something stuck in your eye? It’s not a pleasant feeling, is it? Well, if you’re experiencing symptoms like these, you might have meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). It sounds serious and fancy – but don’t worry. We’re here to explain what it means and how to handle it.

What is the Meibomian Gland?

The meibomian gland is found in the upper and lower eyelids of both humans and some animals. These are tiny glands whose primary function is to produce oil that helps keep our natural tears from evaporating too quickly.

Now hold on; don’t start imagining your eyes as oily messes! The oil produced by the meibomian gland serves as an essential ingredient for our tear film’s overall health. So without this oil component present because of MGD, the tears get evaporated quicker than they are secreted causing some form of irritation/discomfort/grittiness/feeling of tiredness within that area.

Can Anyone Get MGD?

Yes! Absolutely anyone can get MGD, regardless of age or gender; however past research has shown its prevalence more significant among older people due to ageing effects while hormonal imbalances may also contribute for younger persons. Additionally having facial rosacea also enhances tendency while inflammation marking other skin conditions such as Seborrheic dermatitis/a certain type of acne called Acne vulgaris adds risk.

What Causes MGD?

MGD occurs when there’s clogging in the tiny ducts connecting the meibomian gland-produced oils with our actual eyelids because let’s face it those things get clogged all time just ask Al Borland….There could be several potential contributors:

  • Hormonal issues
  • Changes in the lipid (fat) layer which can happen from aging, exposure to certain chemicals or lifestyle choices like smoking/vaping that alter the chemistry of your body fluids
  • Certain autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren’s Syndrome
  • Inflammation in our eyelids caused by other skin conditions. The inflammation causes thickening and damages on ducts making them hard resulting in blockage.

You’re wondering how do I know if I have a MGD? Well, let’s look at some typical symptoms.

MGD Symptoms

Some common signals of MGD are:

  • Dryness within eyes
  • Irritation early morning while trying to open eyes.
  • A grittiness feeling
  • Blurry vision
  • Watery Eyes paradoxically

Okay what blur vision? watery tears huh why how does that even work?! Welcome to life where things just keep getting more complicated.

How Do You Treat Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

The doctor performs a thorough eye examination to confirm whether you’ve got it no improv diagnosis please faking sick days is not cool after all. Once this has been confirmed, there are several treatments for MGD available.

Drops

Artificial tear drops appear logical when treating dryness coming with MGD but sometimes ineffective as they don’t replace oil lost due to gland dysfunction; however using some drops with high viscosity help increase fluid retention/fighting drying out temporarily up time provides relief.

Warm Compresses/ Eye Masks

The most effective treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction is heat therapy; either through warm compresses or eyemasks purchased specifically for this purpose. Heating aids secrete the clogged-up wax surrounding sub glands clearing it + bettering excretion rates long term-reducing recurrence chances improving general wellbeing about one’s own health etcetera.

Taking action against dry eye will mean total lifestyle changes. Eye health matches general body wellbeing in large part, as such :

quit eye offending lifestyle choices like smoking
wearing sunglasses and hats when outside to protect eyes from sun damage
finding an alternative way to vent frustration if your go-to method involves rubbing your eyes (unfortunately I am a culprit too)
a healthy balanced diet containing foodstuff with omega 3’s for instance

Lubricating Gels/Ointments

Lubricating gels and ointments lubricate the surface of the eye rather than unclogging glands but are useful during short term dryness relief e.g night time because they prevent drying out through sleeping causing drought within eyelids leaving you refreshed come morning .

Medication

Medications will be recommended by Doctor after full diagnosis; do not self medicate unsuspecting patients taking medication can provoke different symptoms so check-ups necessary.Failure to visit doctor could worsen MGD condition or cause problems associated with treatment.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion meibomian gland dysfunction is one of those unlooked disorders that proves detrimental over long periodif caution isn’t taken which makes it necessary for us all to get checked out sooner rather than later.. It may sound fancy, complicated or daunting……but just know this – you’re not alone! Awareness and action towards bettering our overall health matters- we only have these sets of windows into our souls afterall people!\r So,
Retrace steps on what might have caused possible triggers behind Meibomian gland Dysfunction.
Go ahead see your optometrist todayand learn more about how to tackle MGD appropriately.

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