Meibomian glands help to form the superficial layer of fat on the tear film. This reduces the evaporation of the tear fluid, improves stability, protects the surface of the eye and is essential for good visual function. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) can lead to dry eye due to increased evaporation. MGD is thus responsible for approximately 60 % of all cases of dry eye alone and for a further 20 % of cases associated with a deficiency in the aqueous tear film phase.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) can therefore be considered as the most common cause of dry eye.
Baudouin et al. presented a new pathological diagram of MGD in an attempt to give a clearer picture of the basic mechanisms involved in the development and interaction of dry eye. It should facilitate a more effective treatment of MGD and dry eye in clinical practice 1:
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1. Baudouin C, Messmer EM, Aragona P, Geerling G, Akova YA, Benítez-Del-Castillo J, Boboridis KG, Merayo-Lloves J, Rolando M, Labetoulle M. Revisiting the vicious circle of dry eye disease: a focus on the pathophysiology of meibomian gland dysfunction. Br J Ophthalmol. 2016 May;100(3):300-6
