Meibomian gland dysfunction or Dry eye
Dry eye is a condition where the eyes either do not make enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly leading to the eyes drying out and becoming inflamed and irritable.
It becomes increasingly common with age especially in women. It is more common in those with connective tissue disorders, blepharitis and contact lens wearers.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction or MGD is one of the major causes of a dry eye. There are about 30 to 40 glands in the upper eyelid and 20 to 30 in the lower eyelid. The function of these glands is to produce oil which forms a thin layer over the film of tears covering the surface of the eye preventing excessive evaporation of tears and therefore, keeping the eye well lubricated. As the eyes blink, the oil within the glands is expressed and form the outermost layer of the tear film.
When there is reduced oil in the tear film, there is an increase in evaporation of tears. MGD also causes changes to eyelid thickness and irregularities at the eyelid margins. All these changes cause a dry eye. Dry eye can be aggravated with tasks such as working on a PC, prolonged driving or working in air-conditioned environments.
What are the symptoms of MGD?
- Burning
- Itching
- Irritation or dry sensation
- Inflamed or red eyelids
- Uneven lid margin
- Intermittent blurred vision
What causes MGD?
MGD can occur secondary to acne rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis. Rarely, a common dust mite called Demodex can also lead to MGD. When the oil glands called the meibomian glands become obstructed due the inflammation of the eyelids, it leads to MGD. The obstruction prevents the oil from leaving the meibomian gland resulting in an increase in the evaporation of tears causing a dry eye.
What is the treatment of Dry eye?
Common meibomian gland dysfunction treatments include artificial tears, hot compresses and eyelid wipes. The hot compresses can also be done with the help of eyelid masks which can be pre-heated and placed on the eyes.
Meibomian gland dysfunction treatments generally help to relieve symptoms rather than treating the underlying cause of the condition and if the relief of symptoms is not to the desired effect despite these general measures, then IPL treatment may help to control MGD. IPL treatment actually treats MGD which is the main cause of evaporative dry eye. Treating MGD will not only relieve symptoms, but will also slows the progression of chronic dry eye.
What is the treatment for MGD
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment for dry eyes is the latest, pain-free and effective way to treat dry eye related to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction or MGD. Approximately 50% of dry eye is caused by MGD. IPL treatment has been shown to improve tear quality and improve patient-reported symptoms.
Our Treatments and Price List
| New patient consultation | £325 |
| Any surgical treatment or injection will be in addition to consultation fee |
| Follow up appointment | £275 |
| IPL treatment for dry eye & facial rosacea | £350 |
| per treatment |
| IPL therapy for dry eye | £250 |
| per treatment |
| Temporary plugs | £200 |
| per treatment |
| Permanent plugs | £250 |
If you would like to discuss Dermatology treatments, please get in touch with a member of our team
