Dry Eye Caused by MGD
You May Have an Underlying Issue
Dry eye is more than an inconvenience. Dry eye is a disease.
Many people suffer for years from the discomfort and pain of Dry Eye Disease. Most try various products to manage their disease, and while many of the Over-The-Counter products can provide relief, it is just temporary symptom relief.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is a leading cause of Dry Eye Disease. 86% of dry eye patients have MGD, and yet it is very often overlooked.
What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction or MGD?
Healthy Meibomian glands that line your upper and lower eyelids secrete oil with every blink. This oil, or lipid, serves as a critical component of a healthy tear film in that it helps prevent tear film evaporation. When the glands are not functioning correctly, it is called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, or MGD. MGD is a leading cause of Dry Eye Disease and can be the source of dry eye symptoms, such as burning, stinging, and itching. However, even patients without symptoms (asymptomatic) could have MGD.
What Causes MGD?
MGD is caused by anatomical changes in the Meibomian glands. If left untreated, MGD may worsen over time. The symptoms include irritation, inflammation, and eye dryness. However, 1 in 5 MGD patients have no symptoms making an MGD evaluation a good idea for everyone. Because MGD is chronic and progressive, it becomes worse the longer it goes untreated. The good news is that there are effective steps you can take if you are diagnosed with MGD that can help to minimize its long- term impact. And, getting screened and treating MGD is easy.
Dry Eye Assessment
Dr. Jenifer Ramsower will assess your eyes using the OCULUS Keratograph® 5M, which is an advanced corneal topographer with a built-in real keratometer and a color camera optimized for external imaging. Unique features include examining the meibomian glands, non-invasive tear film break-up time and the tear meniscus height measurement and evaluating the lipid layer.
Your Modern Life
There are many factors contributing to your dry eyes. Below are some examples.
Your Everyday Life
Your Health
The Good News is We Can Help!
COME SEE US FOR A DRY EYE DISEASE AND MGD CONSULTATION
Dry Eye Center of Florida can assess your dry eye condition, and with a simple evaluation, we can help determine if you have MGD. We offer a treatment for MGD with the LipiFlow® Pulsation System. The treatment, a combination of localized heat and gentle but directional pressure, has a restorative effect on your Meibomian gland function. It clears gland obstructions so that your glands can produce the essential oils needed for a healthy tear film and eye. We also offer Lumenis Optima IPL to treat the underlying inflammation that leads to MGD.
Call today for an appointment!
