MGD probing and Dry Eye

Dry eye syndrome gives rise to a burning sensation in the eye accompanied by a lot of itching, grittiness, redness and puffiness, increased sensitivity to light, blurry vision, and other discomforts. It springs from many roots such as infections, other auto-immune disorders, increased contact lens use, gland disorders, and even medications taken for other diseases. Whatever the source of the syndrome, the common effect is that there is less quantity of tears produced and the composition of tears gets so inferior that it turns to vapour more quickly. Meibomian gland dysfunction is a very common contributor to dry eye, being diagnosed in as many as three quarters of all three out of four dry eye patients. The meibomian glands are the producer of the oily secretions that go into the lipid layer of the tear film, increasing tear stability and reducing susceptibility to rapid evaporation. The lower lid has approximately 20-25 meibomian glands, whilst the upper lid has 30-40 glands. The lipid production in these glands may go down abnormally as a result of bacterial infections of the eyelids (such as blepharitis), skin conditions (such as rosacea), or side effects of drugs. MGD is a bewildering disease. There are two generic classifications, meibomian seborrhoea and meibomitis. Meibomian seborrhoea is manifested in overactivity in lipid secretions or easily expressed secretions. In this condition, the lipid secretions flow too easily, and the chemical make-up can be dangerous to the cornea. Meibomitis is best described as an inflammation of the glands caused by bacterial infection, usually staphylococcus, and may be compounded with seborrhoea or rosacea. In this condition, the secretions do not flow easily and can lead to clogging in the openings of the meibomian glands. Meibomitis is swiftly followed by swelling and inflammation along with recurrent eyelid tenderness. Meibomitis is also referred to as obstructive MGD. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and [ http://www.getdryeyetreatment.com dry eye treatment] is further explain below. Meibomitis can be difficult to treat. Thorough gland expression conducted after warm compress application is the usual way. A promising technique has been developed recently - MGD probing. The basic principle involved is to use a probe attached to a tiny, hollow and pliant stainless steel tube (called cannula) to explore the channels leading to the meibomian glands. Many probe sizes can be used, from 2mm to 6mm, depending on which size is best able to produce relief. The doctor inserts the probe into a meibomian duct until it hits the obstruction indicative of obstructive MGD. Once there, the physician may utilise the probe/cannula to bleed off the secretions or to inject some anaesthetic and try to remove the obstruction. Sometimes only those canals with obstructions are treated. At other times all canals are cleared as a preventative measure. The MGD probing process can be finished as quickly as 5 minutes or a little longer at 30 minutes, depending on the range of clogging and the comfort level of the patient continue eyelid scrubs and heat compresses. These will prevent the build-up of more gland obstructions. If you would like to learn more about [ http://www.getdryeyetreatment.com how to cure dry eye] then follow the link.