What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a chronic condition, which affects millions of people worldwide.
Also referred to as posterior blepharitis it is one of the most common disorders encountered in ophthalmic practice.
Blepharitis can be divided into:
Anterior, affecting the eyelid margin where eyelashes attach.
Posterior, affecting the inner eyelid margin, clogged meibomian gland ducts.
Cause of Posterior Blepharitis?
What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
Skin Disorders: It is highly associated with chronic skin conditions like acne rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis
Gland Blockages: Thickened or hardened oils physically block the gland openings, trapping secretions and encouraging bacterial overgrowth.
Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations during adolescence, menopause, or from oral medications can alter the quantity and quality of eyelid oils.
Environmental Factors: Extended screen time or contact lens wear reduces blink rates, which leads to incomplete gland expression and pooling of oils.
Ageing: Natural changes in the body can cause glands to atrophy or malfunction over time.
Home Hygiene Treatment
Clinical Treatment (MGD Expression)
Warm Compresses: Apply a warm, moist washcloth or a dedicated, microwaveable eye mask over closed eyes for 5 to 10 minutes. This softens the hardened oils blocking the glands.
Eyelid Massage: Immediately after the compress, gently massage the eyelids. Use your finger to roll gently downwards on the upper eyelid and upwards on the lower eyelid, focusing on the edges near the lashes.
Lid Scrubbing: Clean the lid margins to remove loosened oils and debris. Use a cotton swab dipped in a highly diluted solution of baby shampoo or a specialized over the counter lid wipe.
Clinical Treatment (MGD Expression)
Clinical Treatment (MGD Expression)
Clinical Treatment (MGD Expression)
Pre-heating: The lids and lashes will be cleaned with medical eyelid wipes
The clinician will then warm the eyelids using a heated eye mask for 15 minutes.
Proxymetacaine drops will be administered to temporarily numb the eyes surface.
Expression: A specialized tool is then used to press along the upper and lower eyelid margins, safely squeezing out the waxy secretion from the glands.
Afterwards, you may be given eye drops or ointment to take home with you, and you will be instructed on how to take it.
Aftercare
Clinical Treatment (MGD Expression)
Aftercare
You may return to your usual activities straight away after the procedure.
You can typically resume using makeup the day after, recommended to use clean and new make up if possible.
Follow up appointment are usually arranged for 4 - 6 months time.
To review the effectiveness of the procedure and to review eyelid hygiene management.