Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

What are Meibomian Glands?

Your Meibomian Glands play an important role in keeping your eyes healthy. Meibomian glands are located within your eyelids. Your eye doctor can see and assess them by using the microscope in the exam room. The glands release a clear oil (called meibum) onto your tears. This oil keeps the surface of your eyes moist by slowing the evaporation of tears.

If the meibomian glands are not working properly, your eyes may feel dry and uncomfortable.

What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

• The glands may produce too much meibum due to certain types of skin conditions.

• The presence of bacteria can change the quality of the meibum, creating a frothy appearance on the surface of your tear film.

• The skin lining the small openings may thicken due to aging, medication use, contact lens wear, hormones, or certain types of skin conditions. This thicker skin may block the openings and trap meibum inside.

• The glands may not produce enough meibum due to aging or medications.

Our Eyecare Team recommends the following:

Bruder Mask -- In the morning and before bedtime. Put in microwave 10-15 secs. Put mask

over your eyes x 10-15 minutes, twice a day

LID SCRUB -- Use Johnson's no-tear baby shampoo to clear away oil and bacteria on your eyelids in the morning and before bedtime. Place a drop of the shampoo on your fingertip, moist it with warm water, and scrub your closed eyelids and eyelashes. Then wash your eyes with warm water.

Systane Complete / Sooth XP / Blink Tears / Systane Contacts -- 2-3 x a day

The MEC Team recommends you to visit our team to get a full analysis of your dry eye symptoms. Give us a call at 586-745-0863!!