Are Blepharitis, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Chronic Dry Eye Syndrome Related?

Yes, you guessed it.

Blepharitis,  Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and chronic dry eye syndrome are all related. 

High percentage of the people with chronic dry eyes have this condition. Neither they or their eye doctors know it.

It is one of the most difficult dry eye conditions to treat.

Common symptoms of this condition include dry, red, swollen and irritated eye lids, and in most cases, crust build up (Blepharitis) on your eye lids.  This sticky materials attract bacteria, mites which in turn causes eye infections and inflammation.

You can use eye drops, hot compress,  eye lid cleanser, and your eyes are still red, dry, crusty, and irritable.

What causes Blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?


Blepharitis is a chronic condition caused by inflammation of your eye lids.  Meibomian glands (oil glands) produce lubricants to thicken tears. Constant inflammation from dry eyes and blepharitis causes  Meibomian gland to shut down.  Some people are more prone to meibomian gland dysfunction than others- skin type, composition of blood all contributes to clogging, just like pimples.

Common causes of Blepharitis include:

• Age
• Allergy
• Immune system problems -e.g. Sjogrens
• Hormone changes
• Bacteria- eye infections treated with antibiotics.
• Dermatitis (rosacea, dandruff,) sometimes allergies.
• Demodex- mites growing on eye lashes

Typical Treatments  for Blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction are:

1. Eye lid cleaning- hygiene is most important.

2. Wet hot compress to loosen meibomian gland clogging daily.  gently massage both upper and lower eye lids after wards

3. Prescription antibiotic eye drop. or low dose oral antibiotics.

4. Steroid eye drops e.g. Lotemax, Predforte, FML
     
What does your eye care doctor look for?

During and exam, the eye specialist usually looks a the patient’s eyes through a slit lamp, a microscopy-like instrument, to view the eye in more detail. In people with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction( MGD), the doctor will see plugged glands and thickened secretions. The doctor also will see very rapid tear film breakup (Tear Breakup Test of 5 seconds or less), a tell tail sign of MGD.  Ask your eye doctor to express the meibomian glands and tell you what comes out.  Descriptions should be clear, cloudy, tooth paste or nothing comes out.  Clear is normal.  cloudy and tooth paste may be able to melt with consistent daily use of hot compresses.  Athrophied meibomian glands may require surgical procedures.

Unfortunately, Blepharitis tends to recur. And this condition can be very frustrating!

How can TheraLife Eye Help?

TheraLife Eye is effective in reducing inflammation and stimulates tear flow for chronic dry eye relief. Often people with chronic dry eyes also have Blepharitis. Treating chronic dry eyes reduces the inflammation, and also helps to reduce the recurrence of blepharitis. It is highly recommended that those who have Blepharitis stay on TheraLife Eye long term to increase the rate of success.

To learn more about

Blepharitis click here: 

Meibomian gland dysfunction click here 

Chronic Dry Eye Syndrome: click here.

Learn more about how TheraLife Eye works : web link


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