What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction? (2024)

What are the symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction?

Some people with meibomian gland dysfunction don’t have symptoms. If you do have symptoms of MGD, they can include:

• Eyes that itch or burn.
• Eyes that are red or sore.
• Swollen eyelids.
• Eyes that water.
• Eyes that feel like they have something in them. (The name for this is foreign body sensation.)
• Blurred vision.
• Styes and chalazions that keep coming back.
• Sticky or crusty substances on your eyelids.
• Issues with wearing contact lenses comfortably.

What causes meibomian gland dysfunction?

Meibomian gland dysfunction happens when the glands become blocked. Another factor is the quality of the oil the glands secrete. Certain medications, including glaucoma treatments, retinoids, estrogen for hormone replacement therapy and drugs that decrease androgen levels are potential causes.

What are the risk factors for meibomian gland dysfunction?

Risk factors are things that may increase your chances of getting or having a condition. The risk factors for MGD include:

• Getting older.
• Hormonal issues like not having enough androgen.
• Having a tendency toward allergic reactions.
• Wearing contact lenses.

You may be more likely to have MGD if you also have certain conditions, including those that affect your immune system.

Immune system disorders that are risk factors for meibomian gland dysfunction

• Rosacea.
• Sjögren’s syndrome.
• Lupus.
• Psoriasis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.

Other conditions that are risk factors for meibomian gland dysfunction

• Chronic blepharitis.
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol levels.
• Eye infections like trachoma.
• Aniridia.

What are the complications of meibomian gland dysfunction?

Meibomian gland dysfunction is serious because of its complications. It can lead to dry eye syndrome (dry eye disease), diseases of the eye surface and blepharitis (eyelid inflammation). MGD, if not treated, can make it more likely for you to have an infection or inflammation in general. MGD can also make these things more likely if you have eye surgery.

Untreated, MGD can result in damage to your cornea.