Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms and Dry Eye Treatments

What causes meibomian gland dysfunction and how is it treated? Meibomian gland dysfunction, or MGD, occurs when the oil glands in the eyelids become blocked or inflamed, leading to evaporative dry eye, blurry vision, redness, irritation and watery eyes.

An estimated 80% to 90% of dry eye cases show signs of meibomian gland dysfunction, yet many people do not recognize the symptoms. Eye fatigue, light sensitivity, fluctuating vision and the feeling that something is stuck in your eye may all be connected to unhealthy meibomian glands.

On the Doctor Eye Health Podcast, Dr. Joseph Allen explains how the meibomian glands protect the tear film, what causes the glands to become blocked and how eye doctors diagnose MGD using meibography, gland expression and tear breakup time testing.

Dr. Allen also explores the factors associated with meibomian gland dysfunction, including aging, hormonal changes, screen use, incomplete blinking, rosacea, blepharitis, Demodex mites, contact lenses, cosmetics and certain medications.

You will also learn about at-home dry eye treatments such as eyelid hygiene, warm compresses, eyelid massage and omega-3 fatty acids, along with in-office treatments including intense pulsed light therapy, red light therapy, thermal gland expression, radiofrequency, eyelid debridement and meibomian gland probing.

What You Will Learn✅ What meibomian gland dysfunction is and how it causes evaporative dry eye

✅ The common symptoms of MGD, including blurry vision, watery eyes and eye fatigue

✅ How warm compresses, eyelid hygiene and omega-3s may support healthier tears

✅ Which professional MGD treatments may help open blocked meibomian glands

Sponsored by CEQUA®This episode is sponsored by CEQUA® (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution) 0.09%, a prescription eye drop that helps increase tear production in people with chronic dry eye. Ask your eye doctor if CEQUA is right for you.

Learn More: https://doctoreyehealth.com/CEQUA-Home

Find a Doctor: https://doctoreyehealth.com/CEQUA-Find-a-Doctor