UNDERSTANDING MGD THE LEADING CAUSE OF DRY EYE
You may have heard a bit lately about Dry Eye and, fortunately, there are some great medications and treatments available today. Most treatments are focused on correcting tear deficiencies, but, in most cases, Dry Eye symptoms are caused by a larger problem rooted in the tiny glands in your eyelids, the Meibomian Glands. When these glands are blocked or not working, it’s called MGD (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction) and this is the leading cause of Dry Eye symptoms. Early detection is essential as symptoms can get worse and, if left untreated, may cause permanent damage.
Tear Film Layers
Understanding the Tear Film and Dry Eye
The tear film consists of three layers on the outer surface of your eye and is largely responsible for everyday visual comfort. When the tear film is compromised, or destabilized, the eye surface becomes easily irritated and may become red, watery, scratchy feeling and generally uncomfortable. The top oily layer of the tear film is the protective coating on the eye surface that keeps the middle watery layer intact. When oil production is inhibited, the watery layer of the eye surface is left exposed. This is the root cause for the majority of those with Dry Eye.
Learn What May Increase Your Dry Eye Symptoms
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LIFESTYLE
LIFESTYLE
Smoking, diet and activities that cause eyestrain can contribute to Dry Eye symptoms.
POOR BLINKING
POOR BLINKING
Blinking naturally activates the meibomian glands. A low blink rate or incomplete blinking can cause MGD and Dry Eye symptoms.
CONTACT LENS WEAR
CONTACT LENS WEAR
The simple presence of a contact lens on the eye disrupts the tears, accelerates progression of MGD, and aggravates Dry Eye symptoms.
COMPUTER / DEVICE USE
COMPUTER / DEVICE USE
Our reliance on computers and digital devices means, we are blinking less. This inhibits the function of the meibomian glands that can ultimately lead to permanent damage of the gland structure.
READING / WATCHING TV
READING / WATCHING TV
Reading or watching TV for long periods of time without taking breaks has been proven to deter a healthy blink rate. If MGD is prevalent, Dry Eye symptoms will increase.
EYE SURGERY
EYE SURGERY
After eye surgery, the surface of the eye is compromised and Dry Eye symptoms can occur. Untreated MGD can exacerbate a compromised eye surface.
GLAUCOMA AND MEDICATIONS
GLAUCOMA AND MEDICATIONS
Over 40% of patients with Glaucoma have Dry Eye symptoms. Daily use of certain glaucoma medications can disrupt the tears, exacerbate MGD and worsen Dry Eye symptoms.
CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT
CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT
Conditions such as wind, smoke or dry climates are known to increase Dry Eye symptoms for those with MGD. Air-conditioning or dry heat can also contribute to eye discomfort indoors.
Dry Eye Symptom Treatment
Eye Drops
Ocular Lubricants, both over-the-counter and prescription, provide temporary relief of Dry Eye symptoms by adding fluid to the eye.
Gland Expression
Clearing the Meibomian glands of the waxy deposits allows for the Meibomian glands to begin working.
Punctal Plugs
Punctal Plugs are inserted into the tear ducts with a goal of holding the tears on the eye.
Hot Compresses
Warm/hot compresses heat the eyelids from the front surface to provide temporary, short-term symptom relief.
Eyelid Maintenance Products
Eyelid scrubs remove debris from the eyelashes and the lid margin.
Omega – 3 Fish Oils
Omega-3 oils have been known to suppress inflammation or irritation in some patients with Dry Eye.
Many treatments for Dry Eye symptoms only provide short-term relief and most prescription medications have proved effective to treat tear deficiency or to reduce inflammation for a certain segment of the Dry Eye population. It is best to determine the root cause of your Dry Eye with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper treatment that is best for you.
Beyond Symptom Relief, Treat the Cause of Dry Eye
Treating the Leading Cause of Dry Eye
Treating MGD with LipiFlow
LipiFlow is the only electronic device cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of (MGD) Meibomian gland dysfunction with clinical studies that demonstrate safety and effectiveness.* LipiFlow utilizes Vectored Thermal Pulsation technology and a patented algorithm of precise heat that is applied to the inner eyelids with directed gentle massage to remove blockages from the meibomian glands. This treatment is designed to restore the natural oil flow to the tear film that covers the eye’s surface.
Long-term treatment: Gland blockages can be removed and gland function restored with LipiFlow*
*31 peer reviewed articles summary
Intervention and Prevention
While it is essential to seek treatment from an eye care professional if you experience any symptoms of MGD or Dry Eye, you can also adopt simple lid hygiene practices. For the same reasons it is important to brush your teeth to prevent plaque build-up, you need to periodically clean your lids to ensure they are free from debris and excess oils that, over time, can clog the Meibomian glands and lead to eye discomfort and MGD.
Lid hygiene may include:
- Eyelid scrubs for lids and lashes
- In-office debridement/scaling performed by an eye care professional
- Blink evaluation, training and exercises