Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

You may never have heard of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)—but it’s one of the most common and underdiagnosed causes of dry eye symptoms.

What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)?

Your eyelids contain tiny oil glands called meibomian glands, which produce the crucial oily layer of your tear film. This oil prevents your tears from evaporating too quickly and helps keep your eyes smooth, clear, and comfortable.

In Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), these glands can become blocked, inflamed, or stop working effectively, reducing both the quality and quantity of the oil in your tears. As a result, your eyes may feel dry, gritty, sore, or irritated—even if they’re watering excessively.

MGD Auckland new Zealand

MGD can also contribute to
  • Tired, strained eyes—especially after long hours on a computer or device
  • Red or inflamed eyelids and eyes
  • Frequent styes or eyelid infections
  • Lash thinning or loss, often due to chronic inflammation or blocked follicles
  • Left untreated, MGD can lead to chronic discomfort, worsening symptoms, and even permanent gland damage—so early diagnosis and treatment are key.

What Causes MGD?

MGD can develop gradually and is often influenced by a mix of lifestyle, environmental, and medical factors. These include:
  • Incomplete or infrequent blinking (especially during screen time)
  • Eye surgery (e.g. LASIK or cataract surgery)
  • Heavy or long-term use of makeup and skincare near the eyes
  • Environmental conditions (wind, air conditioning, low humidity)
  • Extended computer or device use
  • Contact lens wear
  • Allergies or chronic inflammation
  • Certain medications (e.g. antihistamines, acne treatments)
  • Skin conditions like rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis
  • Demodex mites (tiny skin mites that can block glands)


If left untreated, MGD tends to be progressive—meaning it can slowly worsen over time, leading to permanent gland damage and more severe dry eye symptoms.


What Do Meibomian Glands Look Like?

Each lower eyelid contains 20–30 meibomian glands. In a healthy eye, these glands are long and well-formed, producing a clear, flowing oil. With MGD, the oil becomes thickened or stagnant, and the glands may shorten, atrophy, or disappear altogether—reducing their ability to protect the eye’s surface.

MGD is now recognised as a primary driver of evaporative Dry Eye Disease, with inflammation, increased tear evaporation, and instability of the tear film all contributing to ongoing symptoms and damage to the ocular surface.

MGD Diagnosis Auckland

Managing Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is one of the most common causes of dry eye and can significantly affect the comfort, clarity, and health of your eyes. These tiny oil-producing glands in your eyelids play a critical role in keeping your tears stable and preventing them from evaporating too quickly.

When the glands become blocked, inflamed, or produce poor-quality oil, the tear film becomes unstable—leading to symptoms like gritty, burning, or tired eyes, fluctuating vision, and increased light sensitivity.

The good news? There are many effective strategies to manage MGD and restore gland function.

Daily Home Care for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Consistent at-home care forms the foundation of MGD management:

  • Lid Hygiene: Use a dedicated eyelid cleanser or foam to gently clean along the lash line, removing oil buildup, debris, and bacteria.

  • Warm Compresses: Daily application of a warm compress helps soften hardened oils and loosen blockages.

  • Anti-Inflammatory Support: Omega-3 supplements and anti-inflammatory eye drops, either prescription or OptiMel, may be recommended to reduce inflammation and improve oil quality.

These steps are essential, but often not enough on their own—especially in moderate to severe or long-standing MGD.


In Practice Therapies for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

To more effectively treat the root cause of MGD, we offer a range of advanced treatments that can clear blockages, restore gland function, and reduce inflammation:

Therapeutic Meibomian Gland Expression

A targeted, in-practice technique to physically unblock and clear meibomian glands, helping to restore natural oil flow and improve comfort.

Blepharoexfoliation

Mechanical exfoliation of the eyelid margin to remove hardened oil, crusting, and bacterial biofilm that can obstruct glands and worsen inflammation.

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment)

A natural okra-based gel is used to deeply cleanse the lash line and reduce Demodex mites and debris—ideal for those with chronic blepharitis or irritated eyelids.

LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation

The gold standard in MGD therapy. This FDA-approved device applies gentle, controlled heat and pressure to the inner eyelid to liquefy and express blocked oils—restoring gland health in a single 12-minute session.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) 

IPL treats the inflammatory skin and lid margin conditions that drive MGD. It also helps rejuvenate gland function and improve tear film stability, especially in patients with ocular rosacea or lid redness.

Low Level Light Therapy

Using safe, gentle wavelengths of red light, LLLT reduces inflammation and stimulates meibomian gland activity. It’s ideal for sensitive skin or as a follow-up to other therapies.



Long-Term Outlook for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

MGD is a chronic condition, but with regular management, most people experience significant and lasting improvement. Our approach combines daily home care with periodic in-practice therapies to maintain comfortable, stable, and healthy vision. If you suspect you have MGD or have been struggling with dry, red, or irritated eyes, book a comprehensive dry eye assessment. We’ll tailor a plan that works for your eye, and your lifestyle.
Person applying eye drops to their eye with a close-up view.
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Frequently asked questions about Dry Eye Treatments

Why aren't eye drops fixing my dry eye?

Lubricating eye drops can be an important part of dry eye management, but they cannot address every cause. If blocked meibomian glands, eyelid inflammation, blepharitis or ocular rosacea are contributing to your symptoms, additional treatment may be required.
What is the best treatment for dry eye?

There is no single best dry eye treatment. Dry eye is a multifactorial condition, so effective treatment depends on the underlying contributors. These may include meibomian gland dysfunction, inflammation, blepharitis, ocular rosacea, reduced tear production, Demodex or a combination of factors.
Is IPL or LipiFlow better for dry eye?

Neither treatment is universally “better”.

IPL and LipiFlow work differently. IPL is often considered when inflammatory MGD or ocular rosacea is present, while LipiFlow specifically targets obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction using heat and pulsation.

Some patients may benefit from one treatment, while others may benefit from a combination. Your examination findings help us decide which approach is most appropriate.
Why are my eyes watering if I have dry eye?

Dry eye can trigger reflex tearing. If the tear film is unstable or evaporates too quickly, the eyes may respond by producing more watery tears. This can happen with meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis and other ocular surface conditions.
Can dry eye be cured permanently?

Dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction are often chronic conditions. For many people, the goal is therefore long-term control rather than a one-off cure.

With the right combination of treatment, home care and review, symptoms and tear-film health can often be significantly improved.
Can you treat blepharitis and Demodex as well as dry eye?

Yes. Blepharitis and Demodex can contribute to eyelid inflammation and dry eye symptoms. Illume offers professional eyelid assessment and a range of treatments including eyelid cleansing, blepharoexfoliation and personalised home-care strategies. Prescription or other targeted treatments may also be recommended when appropriate.
Where is Illume Eye Care's dry eye clinic?

Illume Eye Care is located in Ponsonby, Auckland, at One Jervois Building, 1 Jervois Road. We see patients from across Auckland and New Zealand for dry eye disease, meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, ocular rosacea and other ocular surface conditions.
Do I need a referral to see Illume for dry eye?

No. You can book directly with Illume Eye Care for a dry eye or ocular surface assessment. We also welcome referrals and work collaboratively with optometrists, ophthalmologists, GPs and other health professionals when shared care is helpful.