A decreased volume of tears may not be the cause of dry eye symptoms for all patients. Many patients with dry eyes have underlying factors which cause dryness. One of the most common of these factors is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), also known as posterior blepharitis. Employing treatments that target the root cause of dry eye symptoms is the most effective way to treat dry eye.
What are the meibomian glands?
The meibomian glands are located in the eyelid margins, near the lashes. These glands produce the oily top layer of the tear film which is needed for healthy tear function and clear vision.
What is meibomian gland dysfunction?
When the meibomian gland doesn’t function properly, the condition is known as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) or posterior blepharitis. This condition can affect the quality of your tears. A compromised tear quality can cause the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye such as:
- redness
- burning
- itching
- stickiness
- discharge
- excessive tearing
- light sensitivity
What is MGE?
If MGD is the cause or a contributing factor of your dry eyes, many treatments are available. If you’ve tried all other treatments without relief, MGE may your solution. MGE stands for meibomian gland expression. This is a 15 minute procedure performed by Dr. Mandel in our office to manually express the oil glands. This treatment may be helpful, in conjunction with other MGD treatments, to minimize dry eye symptoms.
Call our office at 888-866-3681 to schedule an appointment for your MGE treatment with Dr. Mandel today!
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Related Blog Posts:
The Fine Art of Treating Dry Eye
Blepharitis: What Is It and What Can I do About It?
Punctal Plugs – An Alternative for Dry Eye Symptoms
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