What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
Although meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common ailment of the eyes, many people are unaware they suffer from it. You develop it when one of the several dozen small glands in your eyelids that contribute to the production of the oil layer in your tears has a problem.
What Happens
Meibum is an oil produced by these meibomian glands, which received their name from a German physician who investigated them. The three layers of tear film, the substance that keeps your eyes wet, are made up of meibum, water, and mucus. The oil aids in preventing the aqueous layer from evaporating or drying out too quickly on the surface of the eye.
MGD may result from modifications to the oil's quantity or quality or from changes to the glands themselves. It frequently comes from a mix of factors. Obstructive MGD, which is the most prevalent kind, develops as the gland apertures clog and less and less oil reaches the surface of the eye.
Based on the stage of your MGD and any underlying medical conditions you may have, your doctor will customize your treatment.
Causes
The number of meibomian glands decreases with age; this is a factor. Your ethnicity also matters because MGD is nearly three times more common in people of Asian heritage than in those of European descent.
You are more susceptible to contract it if you wear contact lenses.
Medical conditions frequently connected to MGD include:
High cholesterol and triglycerides
Allergic conjunctivitis and other eye diseases
Inflamed or damaged eyelid or cornea
Bacterial infection
Autoimmune diseases like rosacea, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren's syndrome
The following medicines can interfere with the generation of oil:
Estrogen replacement therapy
Drugs that reduce androgen
Retinoids, from acne medication to anti-aging creams
Symptoms
You might not have any when it is first developing.
However, if MGD worsens and your tear film contains less oil or oil of worse quality, your eyes may burn, itch, or become irritated or dry. You may experience the sensation of having a grain of sand or dust in your eye. Eyelids that are inflamed or irritated may be red.
MGD is frequently characterized by the appearance of an uneven or rough inner eyelid rim, but not everyone has this condition.
Some people occasionally experience blurry vision, which gets better when they blink.
Long computer sessions and dry air from heating or air conditioning in your home or place of business might exacerbate symptoms.
Complications
The most typical cause of dry eye condition is MGD (also called dry eye disease). Blepharitis, often known as eyelid inflammation, especially along the rims, may result from MGD.
These three circumstances overlap quite a bit, and they can all exist simultaneously. In fact, specialists are unsure of exactly how they are related or which comes first. It's possible that dry eye inflammation is brought on by MGD, or that meibomian gland inflammation is brought on by dry eye inflammation.
Untreated MGD increases your risk of developing an infection and inflammation after having eye surgery.
MGD could cause corneal disease if it progresses to that point.
Diagnosis
There's no single thing that can show that you have MGD.
Your eye doctor will carefully examine the gland openings on your eyelids. To remove oil, they could pressure your eyelids.
The Schirmer's test determines whether you cry out enough. Other examinations can evaluate your meibum's quality and the rate at which your tears dry up.
A diagnosis of MGD may be made based on the combination of findings.
At Home
Self-care may be all you require in the beginning.
To assist release the oil, place a warm, moist towel or heat pack over your eyes twice daily for 5 minutes. After that, give yourself a quick fingertip massage. Looking down, gently roll one side of your index finger from the top of your eyelid down to the lash line on the upper lid. Roll your finger up to the lash line on the lower lid while gazing up at the ceiling.
Use a non-soap cleaner once each day to help unclog gland openings. Apply it lightly along both your upper and lower lash lines using a warm, moist washcloth.
To mitigate the drying effects of heating and air conditioning in enclosed spaces, use a humidifier.
The "water gradient" style of daily disposable lenses might be more comfortable if you wear contacts.
When you apply retinoid-containing cosmetics, entirely avoid the region around your eyes.
Consult your doctor before taking supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids. They may enhance the quality of your meibum and have anti-inflammatory qualities.
Medical Treatment
Your doctor may add medications to your treatment plan if you have more severe MGD and based on any other health problems you may be experiencing:
Lubricants
Antibiotics for infections
Cyclosporine to suppress your immune system
Steroids that help ease inflammation
These may take the form of pills, lotions, ocular drops or spray.
Your doctor may employ equipment that emits heat or pulsed light in the office to unblock clogged meibomian glands and alleviate discomfort.
In order to reverse MGD or prevent it from getting worse, it's crucial to adhere to your treatment plan, especially home care.
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