Meibomian gland dysfunction is blockage or poor function of the eyelid oil glands and is the leading cause of evaporative dry eye. It causes burning, grittiness, crusting and fluctuating vision. Treatment centres on warming and cleaning the lids, plus in-clinic and medical options when needed.
What are the meibomian glands?
\nDozens of tiny glands inside the upper and lower eyelids release oil (meibum) onto the tear film with every blink. This oil layer slows evaporation and keeps the tear film smooth — it is essential for comfortable, clear vision.
\nWhat goes wrong in MGD?
\nIn MGD the gland openings become blocked and the oil thickens (often described as toothpaste-like instead of clear olive-oil-like). The tear film loses its protective lipid layer, evaporates too fast, and the surface dries and inflames. Over time, glands can shrink and drop out, which is why early treatment matters. MGD frequently coexists with blepharitis, ocular rosacea and seborrhoeic skin tendencies.
\nSymptoms
\n- Burning, gritty or tired eyes, worse with screens and evenings
- Crusting or debris at the lash line; foamy tears
- Fluctuating vision that clears with blinking
- Recurrent styes or chalazia (blocked-gland swellings)
Diagnosis
\nSlit-lamp examination assesses gland openings and the quality of expressed oil; tear break-up time measures evaporation; gland imaging (meibography), where available, shows gland loss.
\nTreatment
\n- \n
- Warm compresses — where generally appropriate, sustained warmth softens gland oils so they can flow; your doctor will demonstrate safe technique and duration. \n
- Lid hygiene — cleaning the lash margin removes debris and reduces bacterial load. \n
- Lubricants — lipid-containing artificial tears supplement the missing oil layer. \n
- In-clinic treatments — gland expression or thermal pulsation-type procedures where available and indicated. \n
- Medical therapy — short courses of anti-inflammatory drops or oral agents (e.g. certain antibiotics used for their anti-inflammatory effect) for inflammatory MGD, under medical supervision. \n
MGD is managed as a long-term routine, like dental care: consistency beats intensity. Severe pain, marked light sensitivity or sudden vision change are not typical of MGD and need prompt evaluation.
Information on this page is for general education and does not replace an examination, diagnosis or personalised medical advice from a qualified eye-care professional.
FAQs: Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
No. A stye is an acute, tender infection of one gland; MGD is chronic dysfunction of many glands. MGD does, however, make styes and chalazia more likely.
For evaporative dry eye from MGD, regular warming and lid care are a cornerstone of treatment — where generally appropriate. Technique matters, so follow the instructions given at your consultation.
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