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Our Quick Guide On Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

If your eyes itch, burn, sting, or you frequently feel like something is lodged in them, you may be experiencing Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Dry eye syndrome is most often caused by this condition, but Midwest Dry Eye Center can help.

Our team of eye care specialists is dedicated to providing long-term relief from the debilitating symptoms that MGD can produce. Patients throughout the Long Grove area can contact the Midwest Dry Eye Center today to begin their journey to fresh-feeling, comfortable eyes.

What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

Your eyes need tears to stay lubricated and comfortable, just like an engine needs oil to run smoothly. The meibomian glands are located along the edges of your eyelids and produce an oily substance called meibum to keep your eyes hydrated. This oily substance (meibum), along with water and mucus form the three layers of the tear film that constantly coats your eye’s surface.

Sometimes, the meibomian glands may produce insufficient oil or may become clogged, causing the tear film to evaporate faster than normal. This medical condition is known as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and it happens for various reasons including aging, taking certain medications, hormonal changes, extended screen time, and environmental factors.

At first, MGD may be asymptomatic but as it progresses, you may experience symptoms such as:

  • A dry, burning sensation in the eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Blurry vision
  • Difficulty or inability to wear contact lenses
  • Crusty mucus around the eyelids
  • Grittiness in the eyes
  • Light sensitivity

How is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Diagnosed?

MGD can only be properly diagnosed by an eye doctor during a comprehensive eye exam. If you suspect that you have MGD, it’s important to consult with your local optometrist.

During your dry eye evaluation, your eye doctor will review your symptoms and medical history for a thorough assessment. The optometrist may also conduct tests to assess tear quantity and quality, examine the meibomian glands, and evaluate overall eye health.

A comprehensive examination is important to creating a tailor-made treatment plan that targets your specific case of MGD.

What’s the Best Treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

At the Midwest Dry Eye Center, our optometric team will often prescribe LipiFlow treatments for effective Meibomian Gland Dysfunction relief. We may also recommend TempSure Radiofrequency to patients suffering from dry eye.

1. LipiFlow Treatment For MGD

LipiFlow is an FDA-approved treatment for MGD that uses a combination of heat and gentle pressure to liquefy and express the meibum from blocked glands. The device is designed specifically to remove blockages effectively, restoring normal gland function for long-term relief of dry eye symptoms.

At Midwest Dry Center, we evaluate you first to see if you are a candidate for LipiFlow. Once that’s confirmed, treatment can be administered on the same day and it typically takes only 10-12 minutes.

While some patients may notice immediate results, others may need to wait two weeks or longer to experience the full effect. We will help you figure out the timeline for results in your particular case, as it can vary from patient to patient. However, one session of LipiFlow can offer significant relief for up to a year.

2. TempSure Radiofrequency For MGD Treatment

This non-invasive treatment uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity, while also promoting healthy blood flow to the surrounding eye area.

Not only can TempSure Radiofrequency improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, but it can also provide relief for dry eye symptoms caused by MGD.

With TempSure Radiofrequency, you can achieve both therapeutic benefits for MGD and beauty benefits for a more youthful, refreshed look.

3. Other Treatments for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Further therapies we use to manage MGD include

  • Warm compresses
  • Omega-3 supplementation
  • Topical antibiotics
  • Oral tetracyclines
  • Lubricating eye drops

    At Midwest Dry Eye Center, we provide personalized treatment recommendations to improve your eye comfort and address MGD-related issues based on your individual needs and symptoms.

    Lipiflow and Other Dry Eye Treatments For MGD in Long Grove, Illinois

    If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms of MGD, reach out to us at Midwest Dry Eye Centernow. Our team is passionate about helping patients like you to find the relief they seek from dry eye syndrome.

    Our practice serves patients from Long Grove, Kildeer, Buffalo Grove, Lake Zurich, Illinois, and surrounding communities.

    Request A Dry Eye Appointment
    Think You Have Dry Eye? Call 847-383-5852
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