UNDERSTANDING MGD
THE LEADING CAUSE OF DRY EYE
Over the past 15 years, research has revealed that the leading cause of eye discomfort for over 86% of patients with dry eye is MGD.1 MGD is a disease best detected in its earliest stages and then managed to limit progression.
MGD occurs when the protective oil that normally flows from the eyelid (meibomian) glands slows or stops. Over time, blockage and structural damage of the glands occurs. The oil acts as the front line of protection for the tears and lubricates the surface of the eyes when you blink. When these glands are not healthy, it causes the tear film to rapidly evaporate, leaving the eye’s surface exposed. This exposure can cause discomfort that increases over time and impacts quality of vision. This can result in irritating dry eye symptoms. A routine check for MGD as a part of any eye exam is recommended.
How Is MGD Identified
Both function and structure of the meibomian glands are evaluated to properly assess gland health and identify MGD. To determine function, your doctor will check to see if the glands are releasing oil during the blinking process. Structure can be observed with Dynamic Meibomian Imaging (DMI), providing an accurate image of your meibomian glands. If either function or structure is compromised, it is highly likely that MGD is present and your eye discomfort could become progressively worse if left untreated.
To determine if you may have MGD, take the simple online MGD SPEED test and contact an MGD expert with your results.
Function
The top layer of the tear film requires oil, or lipid, produced by the meibomian glands. Blocked glands and slowed oil production can cause discomfort, fluctuating vision, reduced contact lens comfort, and the potential for worse symptoms following ocular surgery.2,3
Structure
If left untreated, meibomian gland blockage causes structural damage and gland loss. Once glands are lost, there is no known way to regenerate the glands.
Normal Gland Structure
Healthy meibomian glands are imaged as complete structures in the upper and lower lids. When you blink, these glands release and spread protective oils over the eye surface to form and maintain the top layer of the tear film on the eye.
Gland Damage and Loss
When the meibomian glands are blocked and left untreated over time, structural damage and gland loss can occur. Once glands are lost, there is no known way to regenerate the glands.
86% |
of those diagnosed with dry eye have MGD. |
MGD and dry eye progress or worsen over time as changes to the gland function and structure occur. With precisely directed treatment, gland function can be restored and maintained. The LipiFlow System is intended for the treatment of chronic cystic conditions of the eyelids, including meibomian gland dysfunction, also known as evaporative dry eye or lipid deficiency dry eye. The safety and effectiveness of the LipiFlow System have been shown in clinical studies and are supported by years of scientific research. 4
Everyone is
at risk for MGD
Eye care professionals are seeing MGD present in people of all ages. Modern lifestyles, dry environments and excessive use of display technologies can lead to infrequent blinking, called “evaporative stress.” 6 The lack of blinking creates a demand for more lubrication on the eye, stimulating more oil production. Over time, this leads to thickening of the oil, blockage of the gland opening and shutdown of oil production in the gland.
If you have MGD, there are many factors that can increase the likelihood of developing dry eye symptoms.
INFREQUENT OR INCOMPLETE BLINKING
Blinking naturally activates the meibomian glands. A low blink rate or incomplete blinking can cause MGD and dry eye symptoms. 6
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. 2
COMPUTER / DEVICE USAGE
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 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
After eye surgery, the surface of the eye is compromised and dry eye symptoms can occur. Untreated MGD can exacerbate a compromised eye surface. 3
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.9
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.10
MGD And Dry Eye Treatments
Some treatments for alleviating dry eye symptoms provide temporary relief but do not treat the root cause of the problem. MGD, a chronic and progressive disease, is best managed by treating the root cause using the LipiFlow System. In an in-office LipiFlow procedure, an eye care professional applies precise vectored thermal pulsation (heat to the inside of the lids with simultaneous external pressure to the outside of the lids) to remove the gland blockage to restore gland function. Your eye care professional may provide various options for the treatment of Dry Eye and MGD.
Select the plus icon to learn more about some of the commonly prescribed treatments for Dry Eye and MGD.
Eye Drops
Ocular Lubricants are used to provide temporary relief of dry eye symptoms by adding fluid to the eye.
Prescription Medications
Medications prescribed for Dry Eye are typically used to alleviate patient symptoms and also may be used to reduce inflammation, as needed.
Punctal Plugs
Punctal Plugs are inserted into the tear ducts to block the outflow of tears. The goal is to hold the tears on the eye.
Eye Lid Scrubs
Eye Lid Scrubs are used to remove debris from the eyelashes and the lid margins. Lid hygiene is key to maintaining health of the meibomian glands and surface of the eye. Good lid hygiene requires that both the lashes and lid margins be cleaned regularly. The importance of good lid hygiene is similar to good oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing teeth regularly.
Warm/Hot Compresses
Warm/Hot Compresses heat the eyelids from the front surface. However, it is difficult to achieve and sustain the level of heat needed to treat MGD using front surface heating. Compliance with daily use of compresses is an essential part of this therapy. 11
Omega – 3 Oils
In some patients, Omega-3 oils suppress systemic inflammation, which contributes to dry eye symptoms.
Treating MGD with LipiFlow
As of November 2015, LipiFlow is the only electronic device cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction with clinical studies that demonstrate safety and effectiveness. Through advances in the application of Vectored Thermal Pulsation (VTPTM) technology, LipiFlow utilizes a patented algorithm of precise heat applied to the inner eyelids and 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. Results: Controlled clinical studies have shown that, on average, LipiFlow achieves sustained 3-fold improvement in meibomian gland function, reducing symptoms to approximately half the pre-procedure level. 4
Find out more about LipiFlowLipiFlow Treatment. Long term treatment and prevention. Gland blockages can be removed and gland function can be restored with LipiFlow.
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
Dry Eye and MGD
2 days ago
Do you know what happens when you #blink? Healthy meibomian glands release protective oils over the eye surface. This forms the top layer of the tear film on the eye and prevents tears from evaporating. #WednesdayWisdom bit.ly/2b0dBqx ...
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Dry Eye and MGD
4 days ago
How did you score? Take our #MGD Test and share your results with us. #DryEye bit.ly/1SOgRhv ...
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Dry Eye and MGD
6 days ago
Excessive use of display #technologies (yes, we are talking to you #pokemongo players), leads to infrequent blinking. Maintain healthy gland function with daily #blink exercises. bit.ly/2byyYzw ...
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