Meibomian Gland Dysfunction???

Do you have dry, sore or tried eyes? Do the rims of your eyelids look red? Do you also have Rosacea?? If you answer yes to any of these questions you probably have meibomian gland dysfunction. 

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is a leading cause of dry eye disease. The meibomian glands are tiny oil expressing glands in the eye lids. There are 20-30 glands in the lower lid and 40-50 in the upper. These tiny little glands play a key role in keeping your eyes comfortable and protecting the surface of the eye from drying out. In MGD the glands stop functioning properly – they can get blocked or shrink, and the clear, flowing oil that is normally expressed changes becoming thick and creamy, foamy or cloudy. This leads to the red rims and uncomfortable eyes.  

The good news is there are many things you can do to improve MGD and the comfort and appearance of your eyes. Warm compresses help melt thickened oil in the glands, Omega-3s in your diet act as anti-inflammatories and also help improve the quality of oil made by the glands, drops like OptiMel™ can improve the underlying condition, Hypochlorous sprays can help promote good bacteria, and lubricants like Systane® Complete and NovaTears® can improve your symptoms. 

Your eye care professional can also provide individualised advice, prescription products and in practice therapies that can make a significant difference in your eye comfort and appearance.