Tears play an essential part in maintaining healthy eyes and a clear vision. They keep the eyes lubricated and supply them with the necessary moisture. The tear film is protected by a layer of oil that prevents its evaporation.

Your eyelids contain tiny glands that supply the eyes with the oil and help in maintaining the quality and quantity of tears. However, sometimes these glands may get clogged or inflamed. In such a situation, the glands cannot supply the eyes with the moisture.

This can cause discomfort, dryness, grittiness, and blurry vision. Such a situation is referred to as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. MGD is an eye infection that usually affects elderly people, but people of any age group can fall prey to the infection.

Let us discuss MGD, its cause, symptoms, and treatment alternatives.

1. Causes of MGD

Aging is one of the major causes of MGD. As a person grows older, the number of meibomian glands may reduce, and they may fail to lubricate the eyes. However, other factors like ethnicity, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions can also make you more susceptible to MGD.

High cholesterol, triglycerides, and some auto-immune diseases can also increase your chances of such dysfunction. Patients who wear contact lenses are more likely to experience an eye infection. Bacterial infections can also result in swollen eyelids and inflamed glands. Damage or inflammation in the cornea can also result in dry eyes.

Several medications can alter hormone levels and cause hindrance to oil production. Hence, you need to consult with your doctor and discuss all your current medication before commencing your Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Treatments.

2. Symptoms of MGD

The symptoms of MGD may not appear in its early stages. When the oil production reduces, the symptoms start to show up slowly. Dryness, redness, and itchiness are some of the common symptoms of dry eyes.

People may also experience a burning sensation and blurry vision.

Thru inner rims of the eyes may appear inflamed or uneven. Some people also experience the sensation of a foreign body in their eyes.

If you need to spend long hours in front of your computer, the symptoms can be severe, and you need to be extra careful.

3. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Treatments

Based on your individual condition, underlying cause, and the symptoms, your doctor will prescribe a suitable course of action. Some of the treatment alternatives for MGD include lubricants to provide moisture to the eyes. They can be in the form of eye drops or ointments.

Meibomian gland dysfunction can also result from bacterial infection. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics in such a case. Cyclosporine could also be recommended for a short duration to suppress the immune system.

To unclog the meibomian gland, your doctor may recommend directing heat and light pressure to the area to remove blockages. There are self-heating pads that serve as one of the useful Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Treatments. These pads direct heat or pulsed light to open the meibomian glands.

Certain steroids can also help in reducing inflammation of the eyelids and restore the meibomian glands so that they can provide the necessary moisture to your eyes.

You can also use traditional methods like warm compresses to ease the infection. All you need to do is soak a clean cloth in warm water and place it above your eyes. Keep it there for a few minutes to provide relief to your eyes. Remove and soak it again in warm water. Repeat as many times as needed.

Make sure the water is warm and not hot as the area around the eyes is extremely sensitive. Also, you can accompany the warm compresses with a gentle massage to improve circulation and remove the blockage.

Now that you are aware of the causes, symptoms, and various alternative treatments of MGD, you can choose Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Treatments accordingly.