Many people experience dry, irritated eyes without knowing the cause. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) occurs within oil-producing glands in the eyelids, leading to dry eye symptoms.
At Vista Eye Specialists, our team of a board-certified and fellowship-trained ophthalmologist and medical optometrists provides advanced care to diagnose and treat MGD in Fredericksburg and Culpeper, VA.
We use the latest innovative technologies to help patients find relief while focusing on total eye health.
Understanding Tear Balance
To understand the meibomian glands and how they contribute to dry eyes, you first need to know a bit about tear balance. Your tears comprise three essential layers: an oily, watery, and mucus layer.
They work together to keep your eyes hydrated and comfortable.
- Lipid Layer: The meibomian glands create an oily layer, which sits on the surface of the tear film to prevent rapid evaporation.
- Aqueous Layer: The lacrimal glands create a watery layer that provides moisture and nutrients.
- Mucin Layer: Cells in the conjunctiva create the mucus layer that helps spread the tears evenly across the ocular surface.
You need all three layers working in perfect harmony to have healthy tears. MGD is what happens when tears lack one of those layers.
Understanding MGD
The meibomian glands above and below the eyelids create the oils your tears need to prevent them from evaporating too quickly. MGD refers to inflammation or blockages that inhibit this process, causing too little oil production.
Without that oil, tears start drying up faster than normal. This, in turn, can trigger the sensations of dry eye syndrome, such as:
- Burning or Stinging Eyes
- Red Eyes
- Gritty Eyes
- Hot Eyes
- Sensitivity to Light
- Blurry Vision
- Eyelid Inflammation (Blepharitis)
Without proper treatment, MGD can worsen over time, leading to chronic symptoms that may disrupt daily life.
Other symptoms may occur simultaneously, as MGD often happens alongside other eye conditions. For example, more than half of cataract surgery candidates may have MGD, so patients may initially assume their dry eye symptoms are related to the changes in their eye lens.
Treatment Options for MGD and Dry Eyes
At Vista Eye Specialists, we focus on whole-patient care that starts with the root of the problem: MGD. Some of the ways we may recommend addressing MGD are:
- Using a Humidifier
- Artificial Tears
- Medicated Eye Drops
- Punctal Plugs
- Thermal Pulsation Treatment
It’s rare to need surgery for MGD. Still, if you have chronic symptoms unrelieved by these conservative measures, our team might recommend procedures that correct eyelid structures to help improve your symptoms.
MGD Treatment in Fredericksburg and Culpeper
If you are struggling with dry eyes and suspect MGD, call Vista Eye Specialists at 540-208-5827 in Fredericksburg or Culpeper, VA.
