Have you ever experienced dry, irritated eyes that won’t seem to go away no matter how many eye drops you use? Dry eyes are a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors, with one of the main culprits being meibomian gland dysfunction. Learn more about this condition and what you can do to find relief.
What is meibomian gland dysfunction?
The meibomian glands are tiny glands located along the edge of your eyelids that produce an oily substance called meibum. This oil helps keep your tears from evaporating too quickly, ensuring your eyes stay moist and comfortable. However, when these glands become blocked or dysfunctional, it can disrupt the production of this essential oil, leading to dry eyes.
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common condition where these glands become clogged or inflamed, preventing them from secreting enough oil into your tears. This can result in tears evaporating too quickly and leaving your eyes feeling dry, gritty, and irritated. Factors such as aging, hormonal changes, certain medications, and environmental conditions can all contribute to MGD.
If left untreated, MGD can not only lead to dry eyes but also increase your risk of developing other eye conditions such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) or even corneal damage. That’s why it’s essential to address this underlying cause of dry eyes to prevent further complications and improve your overall eye health.
Managing meibomian gland dysfunction
At Seacoast Vision Care, our dry eye specialists in Scarborough offer two innovative treatments that specifically target meibomian gland dysfunction: OptiLight IPL therapy and ZEST. OptiLight IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy is a cutting-edge treatment option that uses gentle pulses of light to target inflammation in the meibomian glands. By gently heating and unclogging these glands, OptiLight IPL helps restore their proper function and improve tear quality. This non-invasive procedure is quick, painless, and highly effective at relieving dry eye symptoms.
ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is a deep cleaning procedure that removes impurities and debris from the eyelids and lashes. One treatment of ZEST can lead to an improvement in symptoms of dry eye and blepharitis.
If you’re struggling with dry eyes, let us help you find the best solution for your specific needs. Call us today or schedule your appointment online!