Your meibomian glands, located along your eyelid, secrete an oil that forms part of a healthy tear film. When they don’t function properly, you may experience symptoms of dry eye such as grittiness, excessive tears, blurry vision, and the feeling that something is stuck in your eye.
Fortunately, there are ways to address this problem. If your meibomian glands are clogged, simple treatments, such as warm compresses and eyelid care, can improve meibomian gland function. You can also have your meibomian glands expressed in an optometry clinic.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of dry eye or MGD, visit your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam.
What Are Meibomian Glands?
Meibomian glands are located along the edge of your eyelid where your eyelashes are. Their job is to produce an oil that forms part of your tear composition. Our tears are made up of 3 layers: a mucus layer, a water layer, and an oily layer. The oily layer helps keep your tears from evaporating too quickly.
Healthy meibomian glands are essential for keeping the eyes lubricated and comfortable. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which occurs when these glands don’t work properly, is a leading cause of dry eye.
What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)?
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is when your meibomian glands don’t work properly to produce enough oil, or the oil they do produce is of inadequate quality. The most common problem is clogged meibomian glands. This condition is called obstructive MGD.
The meibomian glands can become clogged when the oil they produce becomes too thick or when debris, such as dead skin cells or bacteria, blocks the openings of the glands. Inflammation of the eyelid (blepharitis), hormonal changes, poor eyelid hygiene, or skin conditions like rosacea can also contribute to gland dysfunction.
MGD is a common condition. It’s estimated that 35.8% of the world population has it, and in the U.S., it affects approximately 60% of people over 60 years of age..
Symptoms of MGD
Some people don’t experience any symptoms of MGD. But people who do experience symptoms may complain of:
- A scratchy, gritty, or burning sensation in their eye
- The feeling that something is stuck in their eye
- Watery eyes
- Red or sore eyes
- Inflamed eyelids
- Blurry vision
- Recurring styes and chalazions
- Discharge
- Contact lens discomfort
Meibomian gland dysfunction can also be linked to other eye conditions such as:
- Styes: These are tender bumps on the eyelid similar to acne that are caused by a blocked and infected eyelash follicle or oil gland.
- Chalazions: Similar to styes, chalazions are caused by blocked meibomian glands. But they happen further back in the eyelid and tend not to be painful as time passes.
- Blepharitis: This is inflammation of the eyelid caused by clogged oil glands or skin conditions. Chronic blepharitis is a risk factor for MGD.
How to Treat Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
MGD can be addressed in several ways, ranging from simple at-home treatments, such as warm compresses, to procedures performed in a professional optometry clinic.
Warm Compresses
A warm compress can help melt oils and unclog your meibomian glands. You can use a washcloth soaked in warm water or a microwavable eye mask. However, make sure that the temperature is comfortable and not too hot. Ask your optometrist how frequently they recommend you do warm compresses.
Eyelid Care
Cleaning and massaging your eyelids can also help. Gently apply pressure to your eyelids near your eyelashes. You can do this after a warm compress.
MGD is linked to blepharitis, which is inflammation of the eyelid. Products like BlephEx can be used to clean your eyelids, removing bacteria and debris.
Meibomian Gland Expression
Your optometrist can perform meibomian gland expression by gently pressing on the glands to squeeze out the oil.
Dry Eye & MGD
Dry eye is a common condition with many possible causes, including meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). If you’re experiencing symptoms like irritation, redness, blurred vision, or a gritty feeling in your eyes, your optometrist can perform tests to determine whether you have dry eye and what type it is.
Dry eye is typically diagnosed through a combination of:
- Patient history and symptom questionnaires to assess how your eyes feel day to day
- Slit-lamp examination to evaluate the surface of your eyes and eyelids
- Tear break-up time (TBUT) to measure how quickly your tears evaporate
- Osmolarity testing to check the salt concentration in your tears
- Meibography to image the structure and function of your meibomian glands
- Staining tests using special dyes (like fluorescein or lissamine green) to detect damage to the eye surface
Depending on your diagnosis, your optometrist may recommend a range of treatment options, such as:
- Artificial tears: These products are available over the counter without a prescription. However, it’s best to consult with your optometrist to determine their recommendation.
- Prescription medications: There are also medications available for dry eye that must be prescribed by an optometrist.
- Supplements: Omega-3 supplements, such as fish oil and flaxseed oil, can help. But talk to your doctor first before trying a new supplement, especially if you take other medications, as they may interact.
- Adjusting your environment: Irritants such as smoke and air conditioning can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Try wearing wraparound sunglasses when you venture into such environments, or avoid them altogether. You can also try placing a humidifier in your room.
- Lifestyle changes: Staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and controlling how much time you spend in front of screens can also help with symptoms of dry eye.
Find Relief in Palm Springs, CA
Dry eye isn’t just a frustrating condition. It can have a significant impact on your quality of life, affecting productivity and your ability to enjoy doing what you love.
We offer personalized eye care at OPT Optometry Palm Springs, including dry eye treatment such as meibomian gland expression and eyelid care. If your scratchy, gritty, or excessively watery eyes are bothering you, visit us for a comprehensive eye exam. We can assess the root cause of your discomfort and discuss treatment options with you.
