Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: The Hidden Cause of Dry Eye Syndrome and How Spectacle Is Changing the Way We Treat It

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is the leading cause of dry eye syndrome—a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. However, many individuals with MGD don’t experience the classic symptoms of dry eyes, such as the gritty, sandy feeling, burning sensations, or excessive watering, until they’ve lost over 60% of their original tear function. This delay in symptom onset has made MGD notoriously difficult to diagnose early, and as a result, it is often left untreated until it becomes a significant issue. At Spectacle, we are dedicated to changing the way this condition is diagnosed and treated, with the goal of helping patients regain their comfort and vision before the damage becomes irreversible.

The Hidden Epidemic of Dry Eyes
While dry eye syndrome is commonly associated with discomfort like a foreign body sensation, burning, or excessive tearing, these classic symptoms typically don’t appear until the condition has progressed significantly. The meibomian glands, located in the eyelids, are responsible for secreting an oily substance that forms the top layer of your tears, preventing them from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become clogged or malfunction (as in MGD), the tear film breaks down, leading to dryness and irritation. But most people don’t feel these symptoms right away.
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In fact, it’s common for individuals to have severe MGD with little to no discomfort until they’ve lost more than half of their tear production. As the condition worsens, people may eventually experience blurry vision, irritation, and even corneal damage—a loss of clarity in the eye’s surface. For many patients, by the time they realize they need treatment, the damage to their tear function is advanced, which can make recovery more challenging.

This delayed diagnosis has been a longstanding issue in the eye care profession. Too often, patients are only diagnosed when their symptoms have become unmanageable. At Spectacle, we are committed to changing that. Our team of dry eye experts specializes in the early detection and treatment of MGD, helping patients get ahead of their symptoms and restore their tear function before it’s too late.

The Spectacle Approach to Treating Dry Eye Disease
For years, the team at Spectacle has been successfully treating dry eye disease, from mild cases to more severe conditions. One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is seeing patients regain their quality of life after suffering from chronic dry eyes for years. Take, for example, the case of an educator who had been struggling with severe dry eye symptoms for almost a decade.
This educator had endured daily irritation, blurry vision, and fatigue from constantly trying to manage their symptoms. The dryness of their corneas, the clear surface that acts as the window to the world, had become so severe that they were forced to consider early retirement due to the debilitating effects of their untreated dry eye disease.

By the time the educator came to us at Spectacle, their quality of life had dramatically declined. They were unable to perform basic professional duties or even engage in daily activities like reading and teaching. The impact on their career and their ability to continue doing what they loved was immense.

After a comprehensive evaluation using our specialized infrared imaging equipment, we discovered that their meibomian glands were severely compromised. The breakdown of their tear film had caused significant corneal dryness, affecting their vision and overall comfort.

However, the good news was that treatment was possible. We introduced the educator to the latest dry eye therapies, including meibomian gland expression, Lipiflow, and intense pulsed light therapy—all of which work together to restore the function of the meibomian glands, reduce inflammation, and increase tear production. In addition, we used amniotic membrane treatments, which help stimulate stem cells and promote healing of the eye’s surface. With our tailored treatment plan, the educator’s tear function improved significantly, and their vision was restored to the point where they could continue their career and engage in their passions.

This educator’s case is just one of many where we’ve been able to successfully treat severe dry eye disease and restore normal function to the tear film. Whether a patient is dealing with mild irritation or more severe symptoms, we’re here to provide compassionate, effective care to help them get back to living life comfortably.

Cutting-Edge Dry Eye Treatments
Thanks to ongoing research and advancements in eye care, Spectacle is proud to offer the latest in dry eye treatments. Some of the most effective treatments for MGD and dry eye disease include:

• Meibomian Gland Expression: This procedure helps to clear the blocked meibomian glands, allowing the oil to flow freely and restore the tear film.
• Lipiflow: A device that uses heat and gentle pressure to unclog the meibomian glands, improving the oil secretion and stabilizing the tear film.
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): IPL therapy targets inflammation in the eyelids and improves meibomian gland function by using light pulses to stimulate the glands.
• Amniotic Membrane Therapy: Using natural tissue, this treatment promotes healing and regeneration of the corneal surface and the tear film, often providing relief for patients with severe dryness.

These therapies work in synergy to restore tear function, improve eye health, and reduce chronic discomfort. At Spectacle, we use advanced diagnostic equipment to evaluate the current state of your meibomian glands, assess their function, and develop a personalized plan to restore your eye health.

The Growing Impact of Screen Time on Dry Eyes
One of the leading contributors to the rise in dry eye disease is the increase in screen time. Whether you’re working on a computer, scrolling through your phone, or watching television, the simple act of staring at a screen for long periods of time can reduce your blinking rate—the natural mechanism that keeps your eyes moist. The average person blinks about 15-20 times per minute, but when focusing on a screen, this rate can drop to 5-7 blinks per minute, leading to tear evaporation and dryness. As a result, we’re seeing an increasing number of patients, particularly younger people, experiencing dry eyes earlier in life.

Our Mission at Spectacle
At Spectacle, our mission is to change the narrative around dry eye disease and MGD. By offering early detection and a variety of cutting-edge treatments, we can prevent the progression of these conditions and restore your tear barrier—the vital line of defense between your eyes and the world around you. Whether you’re dealing with a mild irritation or chronic, severe dry eyes, our team is here to help. We’re committed to making sure that you don’t have to suffer in silence, and we will work with you every step of the way to restore your vision and comfort.

If you’re experiencing dry eyes, don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule a consultation with our team at Spectacle today, and let us help you take control of your eye health. Together, we can work to ensure that your vision and tear function remain healthy for years to come.

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