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Korb: MGD must be treated to prevent gland atrophy
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Clinicians must direct appropriate attention to the prevention, monitoring and treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction to avoid gland atrophy, according to a summary of a presentation made at the British Contact Lens Association conference.
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is not necessarily obvious, Donald P. Korb, OD, FAAO, reported. The lid may look perfectly normal while incapable of expressing oil, and there are often no obvious lid signs or inflammation.
Regardless, untreated MGD always results in anatomical changes, according to the summary.
For example, terminal duct obstruction leads to a decrease in lipid secretion, an increase in tear evaporation and a decrease in aqueous layer thickness and results in an unstable tear film that evaporates easily.
Korb explained that once patients lose meibomian glands, they do not get them back, although truncated glands can be rehabilitated.
According to the summary, Korb said that those with MGD need to understand that there is no immediate cure, but that if untreated, meibomian glands will atrophy.
If they can acknowledge that their eyes feel worse now than they did a few years ago, they may be ready to cooperate, he explained.