Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

If your eyes often feel dry, irritated, or gritty, you may be experiencing Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, also known
as MGD. MGD is one of the most common causes of dry eye, yet many people don’t know they have it.

Meibomian Glands are the cylindrical glands lining the upper and lower eyelids. They function to release a thin layer of oil called meibum, which makes up the oily part of the tear film. This oil layer helps to prevent tear film evaporation, keeping your eyes comfortable and maintaining clear vision. When these glands become blocked or inflamed, the oil is not expressed appropriately, the tear film evaporates, and dry eye symptoms present.

Signs and symptoms of MGD include burning, stinging, watery eyes, fluctuating or blurry vision, redness, or a sensation that there may be something in the eye.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to MGD, such as:

• Chronic inflammation, from allergies, rosacea, or blepharitis

• Prolonged screen time

• Contact Lens wear

• Hormonal changes, especially in
  women over the age of 40

Over time, if the meibomian glands become chronically blocked or inflamed, the glands may begin to atrophy or shrink. This makes MGD more difficult to treat, so early diagnosis and treatment is key.

At Davison Road Optical we specialize in MGD diagnosis and treatment using the latest technology. During your dry eye evaluation, we assess your tear film and oil layer in detail.

We also use specialized imaging called meibography to photograph and evaluate the health of the meibomian glands. This helps us determine the best treatment approach to maintain gland health.

Depending on the severity of MGD, we may recommend Lid hygiene to reduce inflammation, Omega-3 supplements to improve oil quality, topical eye drops, warm compresses, or our in-office treatment Tixel i, which helps to clear blocked glands and maintain gland health.

Our goal is to relieve symptoms and restore your eyes’ natural balance to keep these glands healthy for the long term.