Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

When your eyes feel gritty, burn, or stay dry even after using drops, the problem might not be lack of tears—it could be meibomian gland dysfunction, a condition where the oil-producing glands along your eyelids get clogged and stop working properly. Also known as MGD, it’s the leading cause of dry eye syndrome, affecting up to 86% of people with chronic dry eyes. These tiny glands, hidden right at the edge of your eyelids, normally secrete a clear oil that floats on top of your tears. That oil keeps your tears from evaporating too fast. When they’re blocked, your tears evaporate quickly, leaving your eyes exposed and irritated.

This isn’t just about aging or screen time—though those make it worse. eyelid health, the condition of your eyelid margins and gland openings plays a big role. Makeup, contact lenses, and even certain skincare products can clog those glands over time. tear film, the three-layer coating that protects your eye surface breaks down without that oil layer, leading to redness, blurry vision, and even pain when blinking. People often mistake this for allergies or fatigue, but if your eyes feel worse after long screen use, in dry air, or upon waking, MGD is likely the culprit.

Thankfully, it’s manageable. Simple steps like warm compresses, gentle lid scrubs, and avoiding heavy eye makeup can help unblock glands. Some cases need professional treatments like gland expression or light-based therapy. The key is catching it early—left untreated, MGD can lead to permanent gland damage. The posts below cover everything from home care routines that actually work, to how medications and supplements affect your tear production, and why some people respond better to certain treatments than others. You’ll find real advice from people who’ve been there, and the science behind what helps—and what doesn’t.