Dry Eye and MGD
What is meibomian gland dysfunction?
Meibomian gland dysfunction is blockage or poor function of the oil glands in the eyelids. Without a healthy oil layer, tears evaporate too quickly and the eye feels burning, gritty and tired, often worse in the morning. It is the commonest cause of dry eye. Treatment centres on warmth, lid hygiene and, where needed, medical treatment.
What the glands do
About thirty glands in each lid produce a clear oil that spreads over the tear film with every blink, stopping it evaporating and helping it stay smooth. When the oil thickens, or the gland openings become capped with hardened secretion, the tear film breaks up within seconds of a blink.
Signs on examination
- Thickened, slightly red lid margins
- Capped, blocked or displaced gland openings behind the lashes
- Thick, toothpaste like oil expressed with gentle pressure instead of a clear fluid
- Crusting or flakes at the lash bases, often together with blepharitis
- A rapidly breaking tear film and a frothy tear margin
Associated conditions
Meibomian gland dysfunction is commoner in people with rosacea, seborrhoeic skin, recurrent styes and chalazia, and in long term contact lens wearers. Repeated blocked glands can also cause a chalazion, a lump in the lid that sometimes needs a small procedure.
Treatment
Treatment is a routine rather than a single cure. Daily warmth applied to the lids softens the oil, gentle massage and lid cleaning clears the openings, and lubricants support the tear film. Where inflammation is significant, an ophthalmologist may add a short course of anti-inflammatory treatment or a longer course of an oral antibiotic used for its effect on the glands. Improvement usually takes several weeks of consistent care.
When to seek urgent assessment
- A hard, growing or ulcerated lump in the eyelid, or loss of lashes, which needs assessment rather than being treated as a stye
- A painful spreading redness of the lid with fever
Frequently asked questions
- How long before lid treatment works?
- Most people notice a difference after three to six weeks of daily care, and benefit continues as long as the routine is kept up.
- Can I stop once my eyes feel better?
- Symptoms usually return if the routine stops, because the underlying gland function has not changed. It is generally continued long term, sometimes at reduced frequency.
Concerned about these symptoms?
Arrange an eye examination with our consultant ophthalmologist in Garki, Abuja.
Care at Standard Eye
Related answers
- How do I use a warm compress for my eyes?
- What is eyelid hygiene and why does it matter?
- What treatments are available for dry eye?
- What are the symptoms of dry eye?
Return to all dry eye and mgd answers.