Meibomian gland dysfunction is a common condition in which the oil‑secreting glands along the eyelid margins become blocked or produce poor‑quality meibum, destabilising the tear film and contributing to evaporative dry eye.
Signs and Symptoms
Patients may complain of burning, grittiness, fluctuating vision, and intolerance of contact lenses; examination shows thickened or capped gland openings and frothy or turbid secretions.
- Often associated with blepharitis and ocular rosacea.
- Prolonged screen use and reduced blinking can worsen symptoms.
- Chronic obstruction can lead to gland dropout on imaging such as meibography.
- Untreated MGD is a leading cause of persistent dry eye complaints.
Treatment
Core management includes regular warm compresses, lid massage, and cleansing to improve gland flow, alongside lubricating drops.
- Omega‑3 supplementation, topical anti‑inflammatories, or oral tetracyclines may be added in moderate to severe disease.
- In‑office thermal pulsation, intense pulsed light, or manual expression can help resistant cases.
- Consistent daily care is usually needed long term to maintain comfort.
- Early intervention may slow irreversible gland loss.
