Evaporative Dry Eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
- Canary Eye Care
- Jul 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 16
Suffering from dry, gritty, or irritated eyes? You're not alone! Let's talk about the most common type of dry eye - Evaporative Dry Eye, and how to find relief.
What is Evaporative Dry Eye?
Unlike other types of dry eye caused by insufficient tear production, evaporative dry eye occurs when your tears evaporate too quickly from the surface of your eye. This leads to a compromised tear film, causing discomfort and blurry vision.
The Culprit: Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
The primary reason for this rapid evaporation is often Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Your meibomian glands, located in your eyelids, are responsible for producing the oily layer of your tears. This crucial lipid layer prevents the watery part of your tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands are blocked or not functioning correctly, they can't produce enough of this protective oil, leaving your eyes vulnerable to dryness.
More Than Just Dryness: The Link to Styes
Individuals with MGD and evaporative dry eye also have a higher incidence of styes. Styes are painful, red bumps that form on the eyelid when an oil gland becomes infected or inflamed, often due to blockages in the meibomian glands.
Finding Relief: Treatment Options
The good news is that evaporative dry eye is manageable! Treatment focuses on improving the function of your meibomian glands and replenishing the tear film:
Hot Compresses: Applying hot compresses to your eyelids helps to melt and loosen the thickened oil in your meibomian glands, allowing them to express more easily.
Meibomian Gland Expression: This in-office procedure, performed by your eye care professional, manually expresses the stagnant oil from your glands, improving their function.
Lipid-Based Artificial Tears: These specialized eye drops are formulated to supplement the missing oily layer of your tear film, reducing evaporation and providing longer-lasting relief.
Other treatments: Your eye doctor may also recommend prescription drops or even oral medications depending on the severity of your condition.
Don't let dry eyes hold you back! If you're experiencing symptoms of dry eye, consult with your eye care professional for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your comfort and eye health!
By Dr. Peter Chan, OD.
Stay tuned for more tips, tricks, and answers to your frequently answered questions! In the meantime, if you haven’t had your eyes checked in a while, why not use our handy exam request form and make an appointment with one of our friendly optometrists?
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