What is meibomian gland dysfunction?
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), also known as meibomianitis, is a common eye problem where your meibomian glands fail to secrete enough oil onto the surface of the eye. This oil mixes with water and mucus to keep the surface of your eye from becoming dry.
When the glands secreting the oil are blocked, the water on the surface evaporates more easily, causing a number of problems.
What are the symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction?
The main symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction are:
Less commonly, you might experience blurred vision.
What causes meibomian gland dysfunction?
There are a number of factors which can increase your risk of meibomian gland dysfunction, including:
How is meibomian gland dysfunction diagnosed?
Meibomian gland dysfunction is diagnosed by an eye doctor, who will look at your eyelids and press on them to squeeze out the oil. Some tests can detect how much oil you should secrete given a particular amount of force, while other tests measure how quickly your tears evaporate. Your doctor might carry out a number of tests to diagnose meibomian gland dysfunction.
Can you prevent meibomian gland dysfunction?
You may not always be able to prevent meibomian gland dysfunction, but you can help to keep your glands unblocked by adopting the following measures:
These measures will not work for everyone, and some patients will require treatment.
How is meibomian gland dysfunction treated?
There are a number of ways to treat meibomian gland dysfunction, including:
The right treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying condition involed.