Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

At Appleseed Eyecare​​​​​​​, our goal is to provide the latest and most convenient treatment plans for those who struggle with meibomian gland dysfunction.

meibomian glands

What are meibomian glands?

Meibomian refers to a particular type of gland in the eyelids. There are about 25 to 40 meibomian glands in the upper eyelid and 20 to 30 in the lower eyelid. The function of these glands is to secrete oils onto the surface of the eye. These oils help keep the tears from evaporating too quickly.

What is meibomian gland dysfunction?

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a blockage or some other abnormality of the meibomian glands so they are unable to secrete enough oil into the tears. Since the tears then evaporate too quickly, MGD is a leading cause of dry eye syndrome and is associated with an eyelid problem called blepharitis.

MGB

Is there available treatment for MGD?

The most common treatment recommended for MGD is applying warm compresses to the eyelids, followed by massaging the eyelids. The goal of this treatment was to melt and express any thickened oil clogging the openings of meibomian glands.


Other treatments include meibomian gland probing, performed by your eye doctor, to unclog the opening and main duct of your meibomian glands as well as lid and lash maintenance. After anesthetic eye drops are applied to the eye, your doctor uses a hand-held instrument to probe and dilate the openings of your meibomian glands near the base of your eyelashes.

Oftentimes, our doctors recommend dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids as an additional treatment to one of the MGD treatments above. A diet rich in omega-3s also may decrease the risk of future episodes of meibomian gland dysfunction. It appears these essential fatty acids may help suppress inflammation associated with MGD and decrease the risk of waxy build-up within the meibomian glands.


​​​​​​​Remember, only your eye doctor can tell for sure if you have meibomian gland dysfunction and determine the best MGD treatment options for your particular needs. If you suffer from dry, irritated eyes, make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam and dry eye evaluation today.

To learn more about the differences between a routine vision exam vs a medical exam, click here.

Helpful Articles

All Eye
Care Services

Learn More

Keep
In Touch

Contact Us
Roya1234 none 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Closed Closed optometrist # # # infosyr@appleseedeyecare.com info@nfe2020.com info@manchestereyecare2020.com (574) 319-9390 (260) 306-3937 4626 West Jefferson Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46804 612 S Huntington St
Syracuse, IN 46567 1752 E Market St
Nappanee, IN 46550 901 W State Rd 114
North Manchester, IN 46962 https://maps.app.goo.gl/mLqJrfpK2ykvrFX3A https://maps.app.goo.gl/pD7ixJ86rbSpsTcY6 https://maps.app.goo.gl/vXHRf7XLFy7Tg9tW7 https://maps.app.goo.gl/8gj8gt9DbzzJAtWYA /* |-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | LANDING PAGE |-------------------------------------------------------------------------- */ https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.organiclead.com/Site-d5773727-7944-4140-8049-3c3a38db9994/Landing_Dry_Eye_Assets/hero.jpg Find Relief from Dry Eye at Appleseed Eyecare Advanced Dry Eye Treatment with OPE IPL and LM LLLT At Appleseed Eyecare, we understand how dry eye symptoms can impact your quality of life. Our all-in-one powerhouse treatment combines Optimal Power Energy® Intense Pulsed Light (OPE IPL) and Light Modulation® Low-Level Light Therapy (LM LLLT) for non-invasive relief. With these advanced therapies, we target inflammation to help you find lasting comfort. Begin your journey to relief with our quick, simple Dry Eye Quiz. Common Symptoms and Treatments Dry Eye Syndrome: Dry eye syndrome (DES) is more than just a temporary discomfort. It’s often caused by issues with tear production or gland function, which can leave eyes dry, irritated, and blurry. Our specialists can offer relief through personalized treatments, from advanced eye drops to the latest non-invasive therapies. https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.organiclead.com/Site-d5773727-7944-4140-8049-3c3a38db9994/Landing_Dry_Eye_Assets/quick_dry_eye_section_bg.png Take Our Quick Dry Eye Quiz Are dry eye symptoms affecting your quality of life?  Start with our Dry Eye Quiz to see if treatment is right for you. In just a few minutes, you’ll learn more about your symptoms and next steps for finding relief. Testimonials Your Satisfaction is our Priority! https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.organiclead.com/Site-d5773727-7944-4140-8049-3c3a38db9994/Landing_Dry_Eye_Assets/cta_section_bg.png Take Control of Your Eye Health /* |-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Reviews PAGE |-------------------------------------------------------------------------- */ Explore what our patients are saying about their positive experiences with us I get nervous when dealing with my eyes and have been trying to learn to put contacts in for 3 years. I warn the staff that I will need extra patience as it’s not within my comfort zone. Up until Appleseed Eye care staff and their patience I have left completely stressed and eyes exhausted. Thanks to the incredible team at Appleseed Eye Care Center I am now wearing contacts M-F. I sincerely appreciate the kindness of the staff. Paige B. Loved my visit,Staff is awesome! And Dr.Kauffman is the best!I wouldn't ever want anyone else to treat me.He is an awesome Dr.and and amazing person! ♥️Great choice of eye ware! 🥰 Helen The staff and Dr. Weber were all friendly, courteous, understanding and helpful. Tests and results were explained to me. I would recommend this location in Fort Wayne. Craig B. Dr. Weber was great with my 6 year old! She made the eye exam fun for him and took time to explain everything to both of us. The office staff are very personable and helpful as well! Alyssa K Don’t even think about it just do it. Been looking for a new eye place as my old one is no longer in network. Dr Weber is very thorough and explains things in very simple terms and is really friendly. The entire staff is also very friendly and polite and are very thorough with questions. They’re 5 stars for a reason. Again don’t think about it just go. Armin H. I've been going to the eye doctor for an extremely long time and have never had an experience like this.

As soon as you walk in the doors you're met with such a warm welcome. When I think back to all the eye doctors and practitioners I've met over the years, none have made me ever want to write a review, let alone a good one

This visit was the best I've ever had at an eye doctor and going back doesn't seem like a chore, it actually sounds like something I'll look forward to. Thank you for an amazing experience, ladies! Karsten A. I had my first visit here this week since Dr. Camp retired. Everyone was very professional and pleasant. Dr. VanGessel was very thorough and informative.  He made sure to ask repeatedly if I had questions,  and if I understood the information he gave to me. He did not rush the appointment,  or make me feel he was in a hurry to move on. As I had multiple questions,  that meant a lot to me. I would definitely recommend their services. Melanie H. All the staff persons and assistants who worked with me were professional and friendly. Dr. Bourlier was fantastic. She explained the images they took, the tests she was doing, and made sure my questions were answered. I was well satisfied. Mark W.