Blake Bush Family Eye Center

MEIBOMIAN GLAND DYSFUNCTION (MGD)

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT IN ARDMORE, OK

MEIBOMIAN GLAND DYSFUNCTION (MGD)

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT IN ARDMORE, OK

If you are suffering from severe dry eyes, it could be caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.  The doctors at Blake Bush Family Eye Care have the tools and knowledge to diagnose MGD and provide a range of treatment options to relieve your dry eye suffering.  Learn more about MGD below or contact us today to schedule an eye exam.   

WHAT IS MEIBOMIAN GLAND DYSFUNCTION (MGD)?

Drawing of meibomian glands

Image courtesy of LipiFlow®


Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, or MGD, is a common condition that occurs when there is a compromise to the function and/or structure of the meibomian glands in the eyelids. 


These glands produce an oil called meibum. This protective oil along with water and mucus compose the tear film that keeps your eyes moist.


When these glands are blocked, less meibum is secreted into the tear film, causing your tears to evaporate more quickly.  The result is dry, irritated eyes.



IS MGD CAUSING YOUR DRY EYES?

SYMPTOMS OF MGD


  • Dry eyes
  • Red and/or itchy eyes
  • Burning sensation in the eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Light sensitivity
  • Foreign body sensation
  • Crusty discharge
  • Occasional blurred vision


RISK FACTORS FOR MGD


  • Age-the number of meibomian gland decrease with age
  • Ethnicity-people of Asian descent are 3x more likely to have MGD
  • Eye diseases or infections
  • Injury to the eyelid(S) or cornea
  • Autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren's , lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
  • High cholesterol




DIAGNOSING MEIBOMIAN GLAND DYSFUNCTION


Our doctors will closely examine the eyelids to inspect the gland openings. They will assess the rate at which you produce tears and if you make enough. They will also assess the quality of your meibum and how quickly your tears evaporate. 


A combination of tests will allow them to properly diagnosis Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and recommend treatment. 


LipiScan® Technology


The LipiScan® meibographer is a device that enables doctors to assess your tear film by taking images that measure the thickness of the lipid component, and an examination of the quantity and quality of lipids being released from your glands. 


As part of the revolutionary TearScience® system, our doctors will perform a series of tests to determine the likely cause of your dry eyes. Knowing what is causing your dry eyes will help determine the best treatment option.


This process is non-invasive and only takes a few minutes to asses the lipid layer of your tears, and to scan the meibomian glands.


TREATING MEIBOMIAN GLAND DYSFUNCTION

Possible treatments for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction include:


  • Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene 
  • Topical prescription medications for inflammation or infection
  • Over-the-counter tear substitutes and lubricants 
  • Punctal plugs made of silicone or collagen inserted in the tear ducts 
  • LipiFlow® Treatment 


Your doctor will determine the best treatment option for you based the results your eye evaluation. 

What is LipiFlow®?

The LipiFlow® System is an FDA approved medical device for removing meibomian gland blockages and restoring their function. Through the application of Vectored Thermal Pulsation (VTP™), the LipiFlow® treatment utilizes a combination of targeted heat along with gentle massage to remove the obstructions in your meibomian glands. Performed in office by your doctor, the complete treatment takes less than 20 minutes.


The results of the LipiFlow® treatment will vary from patient to patient. It may take several weeks to experience a relief in symptoms, so a re-evaluation is typically scheduled eight weeks after the treatment.  Some patients will require more than one follow-up depending on the response to the treatment.

woman receiving a LipiFlow treatment
woman receiving a IPL treatment for dry eyes

   

 Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy


Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy is a groundbreaking treatment for dry eye disease. This in-office treatment delivers short, powerful pulses of light that gently heat the skin around the eyelids. This helps liquefy and release oils that have hardened and clogged the meibomian glands in the eyelids. This improves the quality of the tears produced by these glands and significantly reduces unpleasant dry eye symptoms. The treatment takes 15-20 minutes.


While some people see results after just one session, for optimal results to be achieved, several treatments are generally needed.  You can read more about IPL for dry eyes on our blog.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction, the best thing you can do is contact Blake Bush Family Eye Care and schedule an eye exam. Our doctors have the diagnostic tools to quickly determine the cause of your eye discomfort and the treatment that can offer relief.  Call us at 580-223-7333 or use our online scheduler.

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