Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) Causes Dry Eye
May 15, 2017
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the most common cause of dry eye syndrome. Upwards of 75% of dry eye patients have MGD which causes dry eye due to increased evaporation of the tears. MGD is also known as meibomitis or meibomianitis (inflammation of the meibomian glands).
Symptoms of MGD are exactly the same as dry eye symptoms, including: crustiness, redness, blurry vision, itching and tearing.
Dry Eye and MGD? (with subtitles) from TearScience on Vimeo.
Meibomian Glands in Eyelids
The meibomian glands are located in your eyelids. There are 30-40 glands in your upper lids and slightly fewer in your lower lids. The glands secrete an oily substance through openings located on the edge of your eyelids adjacent to your eyelashes.
The oil is called meibom and is an oily mixture which forms the top layer of the tear film. The oil, also called "lipid," prevents the watery tears from rapid evaporation.
There are 3 layers to a normal tear film;
- Oily or lipid layer (superficial top layer of tears)
- Aqueous (the actual fluid of tears)
- Mucin (allows tears to spread evenly across the eye)
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
MGD occurs when the glands are unable to normally secrete their oils into the tear mixture. Blockage of the glands prevents the oils from being secreted. Meibomian gland dysfunction can also occur when the oily meibom becomes too thick and can not be expressed normally. Insufficient meibom or poor quality meibom can also result in rapid tear evaporation.
How to Diagnose Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
A complete medical history and evaluation of your symptoms will help us make the diagnosis of meibomian gland dysfunction.
During your examination, we will look for characteristic changes in your eyelids typical of MGD. Manually expressing the oils of the glands will also provide helpful clues, especially if the meibom is too thick and difficult to express.
The Lipiscan Dynamic Meibomian Imager allows us to directly examine and visualize meibomian glands. Lipiscan has become an invaluable tool in the diagnosis of MGD. This diagnostic technology is performed quickly and easily in our office and can provide concrete evidence of meibomian gland dysfunction and allowing us to recommend the correct treatment for your dry eye!
If you are ready to consider vision correction with Whitten Laser Eye, please CALL US (301-825-5755) or EMAIL US!
We look forward to "seeing" you!
Shilpa Rose, M.D.
Vision Correction & Dry Eye Specialist
Mark Whitten M.D.
Vision Correction Surgeon
LASIK, Cataract & Raindrop Inlay