What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

Meibomian gland dysfunction, or MGD, is a common eye problem that affects the meibomian glands. The condition affects many people, although many do not usually know they have it. That said, MGD is not usually severe, but it can cause pain and blurry vision from time to time. To understand MGD better, you must know what these glands are.

Meibomian Glands – What Are They?

These are small oil glands found along the edges of your lower and upper eyelids, where your eyelashes are. There are around 30 to 40 glands in each upper eyelid, but between 20 and 30 in each lower eyelid.

Meibomian glands produce oil (meibum) that helps prevent your tears from drying too fast. If the glands are not working properly, your tears would be evaporating too quickly, leaving your eyes dry and irritated.

What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

MGD happens when the oil glands clog up and swell and start making less or bad-quality oil. The glands become congested with thick oozes, preventing the oil from flowing regularly. The oil flowing out of the glands is often crispy and may lead to eye irritation.

The condition usually causes blepharitis and dry eyes.

What Causes Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

Anyone can get MGD, but several factors make some people more likely to get MGD than others. These include:

Age

You are more likely to get MGD if you are over 50 years old, especially if you are also female. As you get older, the meibomian glands become clogged and waste away, resulting in low meibum production.

Genetics

Genetics also plays a part in MGD, and some people are born with MGD. You can be born with fewer meibomian glands or none at all. That is usually due to genetic changes in your meibomian glands.

Certain Medications

Some medicines can affect your meibomian glands and the oil quality they produce. Medications that can cause MGD include acne, glaucoma, and anti-aging cures.

Lifestyle

Your diet plays a crucial part in improving the quality of oil your meibomian glands produce. Food rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help improve the quality of your meibum and reduce inflammation in your meibomian glands.

Similarly, wearing contact lenses or applying makeup around your eyes can damage your meibomian glands. These can cause you to lose your meibomian glands when worn or used every day.

How Do You Know If You Have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

You know you have MGD if:

Your eyes feel sore, itchy, or stinging
You become sensitive to light
You feel like there is something in your eye
Your vision becomes blurry from time to time

Is There a Cure for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

There is no cure for MGD. However, you can control most symptoms by keeping your eyelids clean. Your ophthalmologist will instruct you on how to go about it and perhaps add medications to your treatment plan.

To learn more about the meibomian gland dysfunction, contact Brandon Eyes at our office in Madison or Middleton, Wisconsin. You can also call (608) 833-7256 or (608) 833-0301 to book an appointment today.