Many commonly attribute their eye discomfort to dry eye, when the root cause of the burning, scratchy and redness is most likely MGD.
Protective Water Layer - Produced by the Lacrimal Gland | Water is Protected by Oil - Produced by the Meibomian Glands Located in the EyeLid | Water Evaporating - Redness, Dryness, Irritation, Burning and Eye Fatigue (left to right)
What are the long-term effects of MGD?
When meibomian gland blockages occur, and the glands are left untreated, our g lands can shrink, deter orate and disappear entirely. For many patients with MGD, who have left the condition untreated, significant gland loss has occurred and treatment options become limited.
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 and whether partial blinking is contributing to the comfort of your eyes. Structure is observed with gland imaging, where you and your doctor can see if any structural damage or gland loss has occurred. If there is any damage to your gland structure, it is highly likely MGD is present and your eye discomfort will become progressively worse if left untreated.
Gland Function
Blocked glands mean a lack of necessary oil for proper ocular health. This is the leading cause of eye discomfort.
NORMAL FUNCTIONING GLANDS-Liquid Oil BLOCKED GLANDS - No Oil Secretions
MGD assessment is a completely non-invasive painless diagnostic procedure that is essential if you are experiencing any consistent eye discomfort.
Gland Structure
If blocked glands are left untreated, there is a risk of significant gland loss.
Normal Gland Structure | Shorten Glands | Gland Loss | Significant Gland Loss (left to right)
