What is MDG?
A major cause of dry eye is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
(MGD). Essentially, the edges of our eyelids are covered in small glands called
meibomian glands, which contain lipids. These glands are important in smoothing
the tear surface to slow down evaporation of eye moisture. Hence, when these
glands fail to produce enough oil, the moist layer of our eyes evaporates too
quickly leading to dry eye symptoms. Often when these glands struggle to
produce adequate oil it is because they are clogged. In addition, the edges of
the eyelids where the glands sit may be inflamed, which is characteristic of a
common condition called blepharitis.
How Should It Be
Treated?
According to the International Workshop on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, one
suggested treatment from MDG is to use lid scrubs to engage in proper eyelid
hygiene. Lid scrubs are essential to cleaning external meibomian gland
blockages caused by epithelial overgrowth. They are used on the lid margin,
just over the gland orifices to halt this overgrowth and to prevent other
external substances from clogging the glands. Overtime, lid scrubs have been
proven to improve tear-film break up time, and have also been shown to relieve
blepharitis.
There are many lid scrubs on the market, but Ocusoft brand
offers some of the best. Ocusoft lid scrub plus has a unique leave-on formula
which prolongs contact maximizing the bacterial time kill eradicating seven
different strains of bacteria common to the eyelids. They have also
demonstrated lower eye irritation scores than their competitors.
In addition, the International Workshop on Meibomian Gland
Dysfunction suggests the use of liposome sprays. The study tested multiple
treatments and phospholipid liposomal sprays achieved the greatest reduction of
lid margin inflammation and improvement in tear film break-up time when
compared with hyaluronate eye drops and triglyceride gels.
One of the leading lipsome sprays on the market is offered
by Ocusoft brand. Their Advanced Liposome Spray formula is recommended for
patients with eyelid irritation and mild dry eye. The product also includes
vital nutrients and antioxidants to promote general eye health. Both the
Ocusoft lid scrubs and liposome sprays are available in most markets.
