Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

When your eyes feel dry, gritty, or burn after staring at a screen all day, it’s not just fatigue—it could be meibomian gland dysfunction, a condition where the oil-producing glands along your eyelids become blocked or inflamed, leading to poor tear quality and chronic dry eye. Also known as MGD, it’s the leading cause of dry eye syndrome and affects nearly 86% of people with persistent eye discomfort. These tiny glands, hidden right at the edge of your eyelids, normally secrete a clear oil that stops your tears from evaporating too fast. When they clog up—often from makeup, screen use, or aging—that protective layer breaks down, and your eyes start to dry out.

This isn’t just about discomfort. eyelid inflammation, a common trigger for meibomian gland dysfunction, often shows up as red, swollen eyelids, crusting at the base of lashes, or a feeling like there’s sand in your eyes. It’s closely tied to dry eye syndrome, a broader condition where your eyes either don’t make enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. Without proper oil from the meibomian glands, even if your eyes produce plenty of watery tears, they won’t stay on the surface long enough to protect your cornea. That’s why many people try artificial tears for months and still feel worse—they’re treating the symptom, not the root cause.

What makes this worse? Long hours on digital devices, wearing contact lenses, or using heavy eye makeup can all slow down oil flow. Hot weather, air conditioning, and even certain medications like antihistamines or acne treatments can make it worse. The good news? Simple, consistent habits can bring real relief. Warm compresses, gentle lid scrubs, and blinking exercises aren’t just home remedies—they’re clinically proven to restore gland function. Some people even benefit from in-office treatments like LipiFlow or intense pulsed light therapy when home care isn’t enough.

You’ll find real-world advice here—from how to tell if your dry eyes are from MGD versus allergies, to which over-the-counter products actually help, and what to avoid. We’ve pulled together guides on managing symptoms, understanding the link between eyelid hygiene and vision health, and choosing treatments that match your lifestyle. Whether you’re dealing with morning crustiness, blurry vision after lunch, or just tired, burning eyes, the posts below give you clear, no-fluff options to get back to feeling comfortable.