Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms, and Practical Relief
When your eyes feel dry, burning, or like there’s sand in them, it’s often not just lack of tears—it’s meibomian gland dysfunction, a condition where the oil-producing glands in your eyelids get clogged and stop secreting the essential lipid layer of your tear film. Also known as MGD, it’s the leading cause of evaporative dry eye and affects more than 80% of people over 60, but it’s increasingly common in younger adults too—especially those who stare at screens all day. These tiny glands, hidden along your eyelid edges, normally release oil to seal your tears and stop them from drying out too fast. When they’re blocked, your eyes evaporate moisture quickly, leaving you with redness, blurry vision, and that constant urge to rub your eyes.
It’s not just about aging or screen time. blepharitis, inflammation of the eyelid margins often linked to bacteria or skin conditions like rosacea is a major trigger. eyelid hygiene, the daily routine of cleaning eyelid edges and applying warm compresses can make a huge difference—but most people skip it or do it wrong. You don’t need fancy products. Just a clean washcloth, warm water, and a few minutes a day. And while over-the-counter eye drops might give temporary relief, they don’t fix the root problem: clogged glands. Without proper oil flow, your tears evaporate, and your eyes suffer.
What you’ll find in the posts below aren’t generic tips or ads for eye drops. You’ll see real, practical advice on how to identify early signs of MGD, how to properly clean your eyelids, what treatments actually work (and which ones are just wasting your money), and how related issues like dry eye syndrome and chronic inflammation connect to your daily habits. Some posts talk about how medications, diet, and even sleep position can worsen or improve your condition. Others break down why standard eye exams often miss MGD—and what to ask your doctor next time. This isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about understanding your eyes well enough to stop the cycle of discomfort before it becomes a long-term problem.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Care: Practical Treatment and Long-Term Management
Nov, 19 2025