Meibomian gland dysfunction is a very common cause of dry eyes, watery eyes, itchy eyes, burning eyes, red eyes, styes, sensitivity to light, and even intolerance of hot beverages and spicy foods. It is a condition that epidemiologists believe affects as many as 25 million people in the United States. Most people who have it do not know that they have a treatable condition that can be treated by an eye doctor. At Eye See, our eye doctor has years of experience treating meibomian gland dysfunction for patients in Lincolnshire, IL, and the surrounding areas.
What is the Meibomian Gland?
Your Meibomian glands are oil glands lining the margins of your eyelids. The oil they secrete seals moisture onto the surface of your eyes. When these glands fail to secrete the oily layer that keeps tears from evaporating, you can experience a variety of symptoms that interfere with good vision.
Symptoms of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
The early stages of Meibomian gland dysfunction may not result in any noticeable symptoms. You will probably have no reason to suppose you could have a problem. But if you do not get treatment for Meibomian gland dysfunction, the oils that clog the glands may lead to permanent loss of oil production, resulting in chronic dry eye that no amount of tears will keep moist for long.
When these oil-producing glands don't work, your eyes try to compensate by producing more watery tears. Unfortunately, watery tears evaporate in just a few minutes, especially when in a room with forced-air heating or on a hot summer day. And if you never get the condition treated, you can eventually experience infections of your cornea that require urgent treatment.
Controlling Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
There are simple things you can do at home that relieve the discomfort of meibomian gland dysfunction. You can put warm compresses on your eyes or massage your eyelids to encourage the release of lubricating oils from the impacted glands. Our eye doctor can show you how to do a safe eyelid scrub to remove debris and bacteria to prevent infections. Using products that encourage oil production, such as eye drops and supplements, can also address your condition. Our eye doctor will assess your situation and provide you with the most effective treatment possible.
Contact Our Eye Doctor in Lincolnshire, IL for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Treatment
If you believe you are experiencing meibomian gland dysfunction, the optometry professionals at Eye See are ready to assist you. For more information or to schedule an appointment with our eye doctor, call us at (847) 243-3330.
