Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
MGD, the leading cause of dry eye
Most dry eye starts in the eyelids. When the oil glands under-perform, tears evaporate too fast, and drops alone rarely fix it.
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The short answer
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the most common cause of dry eye. The oil glands in the eyelids become blocked or under-perform, so the tear film evaporates too quickly and the eyes feel dry, gritty, and tired. At Riverdell Vision, Dr. Mina Han evaluates the eyelid glands and tear film and treats the underlying MGD with targeted at-home therapy, prescription options, and in-office heat-based gland treatments, rather than only masking symptoms with drops.
Reviewed by Dr. Mina Han, OD · Updated June 2026
Understanding meibomian gland dysfunction
Along the edge of each eyelid sit dozens of meibomian glands that release a thin layer of oil onto the tear film. That oil is what stops your tears from evaporating between blinks. In MGD the glands become clogged or their oil thickens, the protective layer breaks down, and tears evaporate too fast. The surface of the eye is left exposed, so it burns, feels gritty, waters reflexively, and tires by the afternoon. Because the cause is in the glands, drops alone usually only cover the symptoms.
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A clear path to sharper, more comfortable vision.
We assess your eyelid glands and tear film to confirm MGD and gauge how far it has progressed, then build a staged plan. That may start with the right warm therapy, eyelid hygiene, and nutrition, add prescription treatment when inflammation is involved, and use in-office heat-based gland treatments to restore oil flow when the glands need more help. The goal is lasting comfort by treating the cause, not a lifetime of temporary relief.
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Concerned about meibomian gland dysfunction?
Request an evaluation and we will explain what we see, and the options, with clear guidance and no pressure.