New Solutions for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

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Meibomian gland dysfunction is a prevalent culprit in dry eye syndrome. It is alternatively known as MGD, meibomitis, and posterior blepharitis. MGD is multifaceted, but it essentially involves inflammation in the meibomian glands of the eyelid, which secrete the lipids (meibome) that constitute the outer layer of the tear film. The swelling may be caused by a blockage on the gland passage at the eyelid margin.

The clog, in turn, may be due to an eyelid inflamed from allergies or anterior blepharitis (in the front of the eyelid). The disorder may also arise from hormonal alterations, or dietary practices that alter the thickness of the lipids. Sometimes, the secretions may seem yellowy and thick, or even toothpaste-like; at other times, a firm fatty lump may congeal at the opening, clogging it. Another variation of MGD may involve copious secretions of lipids irritating the eyes, although no blockage of the glands takes place.

The consequence is that due to the dysfunction, the lipid secretions of the gland become abnormal. There may be an excess of or a lack of oil; the oil may be too thick or too light. The overall effect is that there is greater instability in the tear film and vaporisation happens at faster rates.

Symptoms and Associated Conditions

The signs of the dysfunction usually resemble those associated with dry eye in general: burning sensation in the eye, sandiness, foreign object sensation, photophobia, and crusting along the lid margins. The lid margins present as swollen and irritated and the inner margin of the eyelid may be scalloped because of scarring.

Meibomian gland dysfunction ordinarily arises together with abnormally low amounts of aqueous tears. If this be the case, you are likely to suffer specially severe dry eye symptoms. Approximately 60 per cent of Sj

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