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MEIBOMIAN GLAND DYSFUNCTION (MGD)
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is among the leading causes of dry eye disease and it affects millions of people around the world. Often reported symptoms are watery and burning eyes, fluctuating or blurry vision, and inability to wear contact lens or eye makeup. The most common type of MGD is obstructive MGD, which occurs when the glands become clogged, stopping the meibum from reaching the eye’s surface. The doctors at Surf City Optometry uses the OptiLight, TearCare, or MiBo Thermoflo treatment, it is an FDA approved procedure to treat MGD.
The meibomian glands secrete an oil called meibum. Meibum (oil), aqueous tear (watery layer), and mucin (mucus) make up the three layers of the tear film. The meibum/oil stabilizes the tear film and prevents it from evaporating too quickly. A healthy tear film is required to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
Spending long hours on digital devices (not blinking enough), wearing contact lenses, and using eyelash extensions or false eyelashes can all contribute to developing MGD.
Certain medical conditions can also cause MGD, such as:
- High cholesterol levels
- Conjunctivitis
- Eyelid infections
- Eyelid inflammation (blepharitis, Demodex)
- Skin disease (acne, rosacea, atopic and seborrhoeic dermatitis)
Additionally, some medications can cause a reduction in meibum production, such as glaucoma medications, estrogen replacement therapies, and retinoids commonly found in acne medication and anti-aging creams.
Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT™) Treatment: OptiLight
OptiLight is the first and only IPL FDA approved for management of dry eye disease due to MGD. It is a Step 2 DED treatment, and it is a non-invasive 30 minutes procedure performed with topical anesthetic drops. It uses gentle pulses of light to help break the buildup of oil or other debris blocking the meibomian glands that produce oil for tears.
The lids are then gently massaged to improve the flow of meibum (oil) through the glands, followed by the expression of the melted meibum. OptiLight procedure improves the function of meibomian glands and protects them long term.
For contact lens wearers, each OptiLight procedure often improves wearing time by at least four additional hours. For many of our patients, they report improvement in longer computer work hours and more stable vision. For women patients who wear eye makeup, they report less makeup smearing and watery eyes.
For patients with more severe symptoms, OptiLight can be done quarterly. The procedure is often combined with MBE for patients presenting with multiple ocular surface disease (OSD) conditions, including the dry eye disease (DED).
Meibomian Gland Expression (MGX) Treatment: TearCare
TearCare system has received 510(k) clearance from the FDA for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction. It is a Step 2 DED treatment, and it is a non-invasive 15 minute procedure performed with topical anesthetic drops. It uses localized heat therapy to soften or liquefy thickened meibum inside the glands to allow for more effective gland clearance.
The procedure is followed by the expression of the melted meibum. TearCare procedure improves the function of meibomian glands and protects them long term.
For contact lens wearers, each TearCare procedure often improves wearing time by at least four additional hours. For many of our patients, they report improvement in longer computer work hours and more stable vision. For women patients who wear eye makeup, they report less makeup smearing and watery eyes.
For patients with more severe symptoms, TearCare can be done semi-annually. The procedure is often combined with MBE for patients presenting with multiple ocular surface disease (OSD) conditions, including the dry eye disease (DED).
Ultrathermo Therapeutic Treatment: MiBo ThermoFlo
MiBo Thermoflo is a FDA class II with exempt therapeutic medical device procedure to treat MGD. It is a Step 2 DED treatment, and it is a non-invasive 20 minute procedure performed. It uses a proprietary thermoelectric heat pump to help maximize liquefaction of meibum, thus improving preservation and function of the evaporative component of the tear film.
The lids are gently massaged with controlled heat to improve the flow of meibum (oil) through the glands. MiBo Thermoflo procedure improves the function of meibomian glands and protects them long term.
For contact lens wearers, each MiBo Thermoflo procedure often improves wearing time by at least four additional hours. For many of our patients, they report improvement in longer computer work hours and more stable vision. For women patients who wear eye makeup, they report less makeup smearing and watery eyes.
For best results it’s recommended doing 3 treatments 2 weeks apart. Evaluating the patients after the cycle of treatments they might require a 4th treatment. Most patients have been going 12 months before requiring additional treatments but some request frequent treatments for comfort due to daily eyestrain.
