Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) occurs when the tiny oil glands in the eyelids don’t release healthy oils into the tear film. This can cause tears to evaporate too quickly, driving dryness, irritation, and inflammation.
MGD is one of the most common underlying causes of dry eye disease, and it often overlaps with blepharitis.
Quick takeaway
Healthy tears need oil. When eyelid oil glands are blocked or inflamed, tears evaporate faster, even if your eyes are “watering.”
- Heat helps soften thickened oils
- Lid hygiene helps keep gland openings clear
- Consistency matters more than occasional aggressive treatment
What is MGD?
The meibomian glands line the upper and lower eyelids and produce oils that slow tear evaporation.
In MGD, these glands may:
- Become blocked
- Produce thicker or poor-quality oil
- Release oil inconsistently or not at all
Over time, untreated MGD can worsen eyelid inflammation and destabilize the tear film.
Common symptoms
How it can feel
- Dryness or burning
- Grittiness or foreign-body sensation
- Eye fatigue, especially with screen use
- Symptoms worse later in the day
What you may notice
- Watery eyes (reflex tearing)
- Blurred vision that clears with blinking
- Red or thickened lid margins
- Contact lens discomfort
What contributes to MGD
MGD usually develops over time. Common contributing factors include:
- Chronic eyelid inflammation or blepharitis
- Reduced blinking (prolonged screen use)
- Skin conditions such as rosacea
- Aging-related gland changes
- Environmental stress (dry air, wind)
- Contact lens wear in some patients
At-home care commonly recommended
-
Warm compress
Heat helps soften thickened oils inside the glands. Consistent warmth is often more effective than brief, very hot compresses. -
Gentle eyelid cleansing
Cleaning the lid margins helps reduce buildup and keeps gland openings clearer. -
Daily repetition
MGD typically improves gradually. Most clinicians emphasize routine over quick fixes.
Your eye care professional may adjust this routine based on exam findings.
What clinics may add if symptoms persist
When home care alone isn’t enough, clinics may recommend additional support depending on severity:
Medical therapy
- Prescription anti-inflammatory drops or ointments
- Short-term oral therapy in selected cases
- Targeted treatment if rosacea or inflammation is significant
In-office procedures
- Thermal treatments to heat and express glands
- Manual gland expression
- Procedures selected by the clinic based on gland health
Where Zocular fits (eyelid hygiene)
Because MGD involves chronic gland blockage and lid-margin inflammation, many routines focus on gentle, repeatable eyelid hygiene. Zocular products are designed to support that daily care—especially for patients sensitive to harsher cleansers.
- ZocuFoam — daily foaming eyelid cleanser
- ZocuWipe — convenient wipes for consistent hygiene
Related topics
When to contact your eye doctor
- Eye pain, significant light sensitivity, or sudden vision changes
- Symptoms that worsen or fail to improve with routine care
- Increasing redness or swelling of the eyelids
- New lumps, tenderness, or discharge
