Tiny sebaceous glands, called meibomian glands, are located on the borders of the eyelids - the edges in contact when closing the eyes. The main function of the meibomian glands is the secretion of a special substance that covers the surface of the eyeballs and prevents the evaporation of the water component of tears. The fat layer and water create a tear film.
The tear film is designed to lubricate the surface of the eyes and maintain them in a healthy condition. It also affects clarity of vision. If the water or fat layer becomes thinner, if its quality changes for the worse, the corresponding symptoms appear - irritation and blurred vision.
What is meibomian gland dysfunction?
This term refers to a condition in which the sebaceous glands on the eyelids do not produce enough fat or their secret becomes poor quality. Often, the gland openings suffer from clogging, as a result of which the fat layer on the eyeball becomes thinner. Grease released over the clogging may be grainy or stiff. Deterioration of its quality leads to the appearance of irritation.
Gland dysfunction is a very common disorder. In the early stages, the symptoms are often absent, however, in the absence of adequate treatment, the pathology can lead to the development or worsening of the existing dry eye syndrome or inflammatory process in the eyelids. Meibomian gland is clogged with a thickened secret, and in case of chronic violation, the eyelids lose their ability to produce fat. As a result, irreversible changes in the tear film occur and dry eye syndrome develops.
Symptoms
If for some reason you have suffered from the meibomian glands, dysfunction can be detected on the basis of the following signs of pathology:
- dryness;
- burning;
- itching
- secretion viscosity;
- the appearance of crusts that look like scabs;
- lacrimation
- increased sensitivity to light;
- redness of the eyes;
- foreign body sensation in the eye;
- chalazion or barley;
- periodic visual impairment.
Risk factors
There are circumstances that contribute to the development of meibomian gland dysfunction. These are risk factors, which include:
- Age. Like dry eye syndrome, dysfunction of the sebaceous glands along the edges of the eyelids is more common in older people. According to an independent study, which involved 233 people with an average age of 63 years (with 91% of the males being male), at least one sign of inflammation of the meibomian gland was found in 59%.
- Ethnic background. The inhabitants of Asia, including the population of Thailand, Japan and China, are most susceptible to this pathology. In these countries, a violation was found in 46-69% of the people participating in the studies, while in developed English-speaking countries (USA, Australia) dysfunction symptoms were found in only 4-20%.
- Use eye makeup. Eyeliner, pencils, eye shadow and other makeup products can cause clogging of the sebaceous gland openings. Women who do not pay enough attention to cleansing the eyelids of cosmetics are especially at risk. The most obvious risk factor is night sleep without first removing makeup.
- Wearing contact lenses. Some researchers suggest that impaired functioning of the sebaceous glands may be associated with regular use of contact lenses. When symptoms appear, improvement does not occur even six months after stopping wearing lenses. However, this risk factor is currently considered conditional, since the evidence base has not yet been fully assembled.
Treatment
Inflammation of the meibomian gland is treated primarily with hygienic procedures to cleanse the eyelids and eyelashes of dead cells, excess fat and constantly accumulating bacteria. The skin of the eyelids is extremely sensitive, so experts call for maximum accuracy and caution, regardless of the chosen treatment method.
Warm compresses
Heating the edges of the eyelids increases secretion and helps melt the dried fat crusts that clog the meibomian glands. The treatment is carried out using a warm (not too hot), clean wet rag or cloth, which is applied to the eyelids for about four minutes. Compress heats the fat and improves its outflow, thereby preventing further clogging of the glands. If you are concerned about symptoms of dysfunction, repeat this procedure twice a day. If your goal is to prevent violations, once a day will be enough.
Massage
You can massage your eyelids right during the application of warm compresses. With your fingertips, gently press on the edge of the eyelid, starting immediately after the line of eyelashes. Swipe your finger from bottom to top of the lower eyelid and look up at the same time, then swipe it from the top of the eyelid from top to bottom and look down. Excessive abuse of massage movements can lead to irritation, so be careful as much as possible.
Peeling eyelids
With dysfunction of the meibomian glands of the eyelids, light scrubbing, which removes excess sebum, potentially harmful bacteria and accumulations of dead cells from the sensitive surface, helps. Use a cotton swab or a warm cloth wound around your fingertips. Gently rub your eyelids (both lower and upper) parallel to the eyelash line. As a scrub, use a mild soap or diluted baby shampoo (a few drops on a small glass of clean water) - any substance that does not cause irritation or burning sensation is suitable. If you are not sure of the correctness of your choice, consult your doctor in advance. Eyelid peeling can be done once a day.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Flaxseed Oil and Fish Oil
Some patients with these disorders report an improvement after they include foods and dietary supplements that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. The latter largely contribute to improving the quality and consistency of the secret secreted by the meibomian glands.
Flaxseed oil and fish oil are excellent natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed oil is completely safe not only for adults, but also for young children; if your child has meibomian gland dysfunction and has reached the age of 1-2 years, give him one teaspoon of oil per day. Older children can increase the dosage to one tablespoon every day. Flaxseed oil can be easily mixed with food - for example, hot porridge, juice or smoothies. It should not be used simultaneously with drugs that promote blood thinning or lowering sugar levels.