Meibomian Gland Dysfunction is the leading cause of Dry Eye Disease. Patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction may experience meibum of a thick consistency, made of a mixture of melted lipid and cellular debris. A constant warming of the Meibomian glands to 40-45°C for a duration of 10-15 minutes is vital to liquefy the meibum oil before eyelid massage.
Therapies
Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film, and accompanied by ocular symptoms, in which tear film instability and hyperosmolarity, ocular surface inflammation and damage, and neurosensory abnormalities play etiological roles.
- DEWS II -
- DEWS II -
The majority of patients suffering from Dry Eye are a form of mixed or evaporative dry eye.
A simple five step approach can help your patients manage their dry eye disease.
After warming your Meibomian Glands, most of the clinicians would recommend the following steps:
- Extend finger and apply light pressure on the eyelid
- Roll the finger upward on the lower lid twice while in upgaze
- Roll the finger downward on the upper lid twice while in downgaze
Cleansing is an important step for patients with Blepharitis and Demodex.
- Blepharitis can affect up to 40% of middle-aged people and up to 66% of people aged 60+ and is a common reason people experience Dry Eye.
- The prevalence of Demodex mites is significant in the adult population, increasing with age.
- As well as causing general discomfort and inflammation for patients, blepharitis and demodex can also affect the outcomes of cataract and refractive surgery, so it’s important for physicians to remain vigilant for these often-overlooked conditions.
Because of the different types of the disease, the treatments and management can vary.1,2,3,4
DEWSII recommends the use of preservative-free eye drops.5
Preservatives:
- Reduce cellular viability
- Activate inflammation
- Disrupt the histology of the cornea epithelial barrier6
Phosphates:
- May be found in irrigating solutions and eye drops as part of their buffer system
- At high concentrations, can cause corneal calcification process7
Dietary fats are an integral part of our biological function and the human body is able to produce most of them, except for the Omega-3s. These essential fats cannot be synthesized without proper dietary intake.
The daily intake of 2000 mg or greater of Omega-3s elicit an anti-inflammatory effect that may be beneficial to patients suffering from MGD and Dry Eye Disease.
The Omega-3 products, while of many different forms and sources, are NOT equal.
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