Imagine waking up with dry, gritty eyes that no amount of blinking or drops seem to soothe. For many patients at Dolman Eyecare Centre in New Hamburg, this daily discomfort is more than a nuisance—it’s a condition called meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). It’s one of the most common causes of chronic dry eye, yet it often goes undiagnosed.
What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
The meibomian glands line your eyelids and secrete oil that keeps your tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked or stop functioning properly, your tears lack the protective oil layer, leading to rapid evaporation and dry, irritated eyes. This condition is known as meibomian gland dysfunction.
At Dolman Eyecare Centre, we often use the analogy of oil and water in a salad dressing. Without the right amount of oil (from your meibomian glands), the water-based component (your tears) separates and evaporates quickly—leaving your eyes unprotected and uncomfortable.
Common Symptoms of MGD
Patients with MGD may experience:
- Burning or stinging eyes
- Grittiness, as if sand is in the eyes
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Redness and irritation, especially in dry or windy conditions
- Sensitivity to light
- Increased discomfort when using screens
If these symptoms sound familiar, you’re not alone—over 85% of patients with dry eye symptoms have some degree of meibomian gland dysfunction.
Diagnosing MGD at Dolman Eyecare Centre
Our clinic in New Hamburg uses advanced meibography technology to evaluate the structure and function of your meibomian glands. Meibography provides high-resolution imaging of these glands, allowing us to detect blockages, gland atrophy, or inflammation.
Once we understand the root cause of your symptoms, we tailor a personalized treatment plan. This approach ensures more effective and lasting relief—far beyond what over-the-counter drops can offer.
Effective Treatments for MGD
Dolman Eyecare Centre offers a variety of evidence-based treatments to restore gland function and relieve discomfort, including:
1. Heat Therapy
Warm compresses help liquefy the clogged oils in the meibomian glands. We offer in-office heat treatments that provide deeper and more consistent heating than home remedies.
2. Medicated Eye Drops
Anti-inflammatory drops can reduce swelling in the glands and eyelids, improving oil secretion and reducing discomfort.
3. Omega-3 Supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids support the production of healthy oils in the glands. Our team can recommend therapeutic-grade supplements tailored to your needs.
4. Eyelid Hygiene
Keeping your eyelids clean is crucial. We may suggest specific lid scrubs or cleansing routines to reduce bacterial buildup that contributes to gland dysfunction.
5. Customized Treatment Plans
Each case is different. That’s why we tailor your care based on your meibography results, symptoms, and lifestyle.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Left untreated, MGD can lead to permanent damage of the glands, chronic dry eye syndrome, and even increased risk of eye infections. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment can restore comfort and protect long-term vision health.
At Dolman Eyecare Centre, we believe in proactive, patient-centered care. With decades of experience and the latest technology, we’re committed to finding the root cause of your symptoms—not just masking them.
Ready to Treat Dry Eye at Its Source? Schedule Your MGD Evaluation at Dolman Eyecare Centre
If dry eyes are interfering with your daily life, don’t wait. At Dolman Eyecare Centre in New Hamburg, we specialize in diagnosing and treating meibomian gland dysfunction using cutting-edge tools like meibography. Let our optometrists help you achieve lasting relief and healthier eyes. Book your dry eye assessment to get started.