Meibomian Gland Evaluation

Overview:
Meibomian glands are oil-producing glands located in the upper and lower eyelids. They secrete meibum, an essential component of the tear film that prevents tear evaporation. Dysfunction of these glands—known as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)—is one of the leading causes of evaporative dry eye disease.

Why It's Important:
When meibomian glands become blocked or atrophied, the tear film becomes unstable, leading to symptoms such as:

• Dryness

• Irritation or burning

• Blurry vision that improves with blinking

• Red or inflamed eyelids

A thorough meibomian gland evaluation helps diagnose MGD early and guide effective treatment.

Procedure Description:

1. External Eyelid Examination:
   The eyelids and lid margins are examined for signs of:

   • Redness or thickening

   • Collarettes (debris at lash base)

   • Capped glands or visible blockage

   • Telangiectasia (small, dilated blood vessels)

2. Gland Expression:
   Gentle pressure is applied to the eyelids using a meibomian gland expressor tool to assess:

   • Quality of meibum (clear, turbid, or thickened/toothpaste-like)

   • Ease of expression

   • Number of functioning glands

3. Meibography :
   In some cases, infrared meibography is performed to visualize the structure of the glands. This non-invasive imaging allows us to:

   • Assess gland dropout or atrophy

   • Monitor progression over time

   • Guide treatment planning (e.g., thermal therapy)

Clinical Significance:
Meibomian gland evaluation is essential for:

• Diagnosing evaporative dry eye disease

• Differentiating from aqueous-deficient dry eye

• Tailoring treatments like:

  • Warm compresses and lid hygiene

  • In-office thermal pulsation therapy

  • Omega-3 supplementation

  • Topical or oral medications to improve gland function

Protect Your Tear Film – Treat MGD Early
Regular evaluation of your meibomian glands helps preserve tear film health and long-term ocular comfort. Early treatment can prevent permanent gland loss and reduce chronic symptoms.