Understanding Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: The Leading Cause of Dry Eye Disease

Blinking should feel effortless—your body’s natural way of keeping your eyes comfortable and clear. But if your eyes constantly feel dry, irritated, or watery, something isn’t working as it should. Most of the time, the culprit is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)—the most common cause of dry eye disease.

Many patients don’t even realize they have it. The good news? There are ways to treat it and restore comfortable vision. Let’s dive into what’s happening and how we can help.

How Do the Meibomian Glands Work?

Your meibomian glands are tiny oil glands along the rims of your eyelids. They produce an essential oil (meibum) that coats your eyes and keeps your tears from evaporating too quickly. Every time you blink, these glands release a small amount of oil to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.

But when these glands become blocked, inflamed, or stop producing enough oil, your eyes don’t get the lubrication they need—leading to dryness, irritation, and blurred vision.

What Causes Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

MGD is extremely common, and many factors can contribute to it. Some of the most common causes I see include:

Aging – As we get older, these glands naturally slow down.
Screen time & reduced blinking – Staring at screens for long periods can reduce how often you blink, leading to gland dysfunction.
Makeup & skincare products – Leftover mascara, eyeliner, and sunscreen can clog the glands.
Hormonal changes – Conditions like menopause can impact oil production.
Certain medications – Some prescriptions, including acne and allergy medications, can affect the glands.
Chronic inflammation – Conditions like rosacea and blepharitis often contribute to MGD.

How Do You Know If You Have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

If you’ve been dealing with dry, itchy, or watery eyes, MGD may be the root cause. Here are some key symptoms to watch for:

A gritty or sandy feeling in your eyes
Excessive tearing (yes, dry eye can cause watery eyes!)
Redness or irritation
Blurred vision that improves with blinking
Burning or stinging sensations
Crusty eyelids in the morning
Increased sensitivity to light

If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time to get your eyes checked. The sooner we identify the problem, the better we can protect your long-term vision and comfort.

Treating Meibomian Gland Dysfunction & Dry Eye

If you’ve been struggling with dry eye symptoms, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Here are some of the most effective treatments to get your eyes feeling better:

Warm Compresses – A warm washcloth over your closed eyes can help unclog blocked glands. Try this for 10-15 minutes a day.
Gentle Eyelid Massage – Lightly massaging your eyelids can help stimulate oil flow.
Use a Humidifier – Adding moisture to the air can help prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly.
Blink More Often – If you spend a lot of time on screens, make an effort to blink fully and frequently.
Remove Makeup Thoroughly – Keep your eyelid margins clean to prevent buildup and blockages.

While at-home remedies can help, chronic dry eye and MGD often require professional treatment.

IPL Therapy (OptiLight IPL) – One of the most effective ways to treat MGD is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. This FDA-approved treatment helps clear blocked meibomian glands, reduce inflammation, and restore healthy oil production. Many of my patients notice significant relief after just a few sessions.
Prescription Medications – In some cases, medicated drops or oral medications can help improve oil flow and reduce inflammation.
Professional Meibomian Gland Expression – This treatment helps manually unblock the glands and stimulate healthy oil production.

Take Control of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction With Us

Dry, irritated eyes don’t have to be your norm. If you’re struggling with symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction, we can help you find the right treatment for lasting relief. At Looking Glass Optical, we believe that artificial tears are just a temporary solution for dry eyes. Instead, we treat dry eye disease holistically and with care. We explore all of your treatment options and aim for long-term improvement over quick fixes.

Looking for an innovative treatment for uncomfortable dry eye symptoms? Try our new IPL therapy, designed to combat meibomian gland dysfunction.

Schedule an appointment today and let’s get your eyes feeling better! Book your appointment with us today.