Meibomian Gland Dysfunction- How TheraLife Can Help

The primary function of meibomian glands is to secret lipids, the thickening agent for tears.  In chronic dry eye syndrome, meibomian glands play an important part of  dry eye relief.  the inability to thicken tears lead to evaporative dry eyes.  Blepharitis (eye lid abnormalities and infections), Rosacea often concur with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) making it one of the most difficult dry eye conditions to treat.  Assessment and treatment of meibomian gland disease is often a necessary step in successful dry eye treatment.

How to look for  Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Normal meibum is thin with clear liquid which is expressed very easily.  With various stages of MGD, the meibum becomes thicker, (see photo above) and the expressed liquid becomes thicker, granular and some time in clumps and the liquid become opague.  The expressing meibum can be very difficult.

Often MGD is accompanied by lots of inflammation - on the eye lid, in the eye.  In most cases, MGD is accompanied also by tear volume in-sufficiencies (Lacrimal Gland). Thus setting up a situation where dry eyes cause inflammation and the inflammation causes the tear secretion glands to shut down.

Certain drugs can cause MGD, especially drugs to dry up acne - such as Accutane, antihistamines used in allergy treatments.


Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Typical treatments for MGD includes:
1. Wet hot compresses - twice a day, each time 10 minutes to unclog the meibomian glands
2. Eye lids cleaning daily to minimize eye infections
3. Oral Antibiotcis - Doxycycline or Azithromycin daily
4. Steroid eye drops - such as Lotamax or PredForte to calm down inflammation during a flare. Steroid eye drops are limited to one month since long term use may result in kidney and liver damages.

How can TheraLife help?

TheraLife Eye is formulated to revitalize all the tear secretion glands, including meibomian glands, lacrimal glands to get sustainable long lasting relief.  TheraLife Eye is used along with the procedures described above for speedy recovery and long term maintenance.


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photo curtesy of Gary N. Foulks MD, FACS.