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Dry Eyes & MGD

While many people may disregard their eye discomfort to dry eyes, the root cause may be something more serious. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a chronic disease of the meibomian glands, which is commonly characterized by the prevention of glandular secretion. The meibomian glands secrete an oil that prevents the evaporation of water from the surface of your eye. This layer of oil also helps protect against the foreign matter or microbial agents.

Who is at Risk?

Those at risk for MGD are the following:

  • Older people

  • Contact lens users 

  • Those of Asian ethnicity 

  • People taking certain hormonal medication

What causes Dry Eyes?

Do you find yourself rubbing your eyes often because they feel irritated? This is a common symptom of dry eyes. Your eyes contain tear ducts that produce tears. These tears act as lubrication, wetting your eye and keeping them healthy in the process. But sometimes, your tear ducts fail to produce the tears needed to protect your eyes. Or, the tears produced evaporate quicker than usual, resulting in your eyes feeling un-lubricated and dry. This is what creates the sensation of irritation that makes you want to rub your eyes.

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Dysfunction of the meibomian glands can be caused by a physical obstruction to the meibomian ducts or by an abnormal amount of secretions. The dysfunction could also be related to the quality of the oil being secreted.

What are the symptoms of MGD?

In the early stages of MGD, you might not experience any symptoms, or attribute any eye discomfort to the environment. However, as MGD progresses, your eyes might start to burn, itch or be irritated or dry. This sensation is most commonly described as having a grain of sand or dust stuck in your eye. The eyelid may also become red. Another less common symptom is having moments of blurred vision that improves upon blinking. Symptoms can get better or worse, depending on the humidity of the environment. Please seek treatments from an eye specialist since it could cause permanent damage to your eye if left untreated.

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