The Causes of Dry Eye Disease
Your eyes are the only organs in your body exposed to the environment and outside air. Your heart, lungs, liver and all other organs are encased in skin. That is why keeping your eyes well-lubricated is crucial to prevent irritation and scarring from the constant blinking of your eyelids.
Many factors contribute to dry eye, disrupting the equilibrium of quality tear production. This disequilibrium causes symptoms like itching, redness, burning, blurry vision, pain, soreness, and more.
There are two causes of dry eye syndrome: aqueous deficiency, where you don't produce enough tears, or the lack quantity of tears, and the more common evaporative dry eye, where the quality of the tears you produce is inadequate. One of the leading causes of evaporative dry eye is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).
What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
MGD is characterized by obstructed and damaged meibomian glands, which decreases the quality and quantity of tears your glands produce. Obstruction, or clogging of the meibomian glands, leads to poor chemical composition of the tears and evaporation.
The most common symptoms of MGD include watering of your eyes, burning, inability to wear contact lenses comfortably, irritation with make-up use and more. MGD is chronic and progressive, and there is no cure. Fortunately, there are treatments.
At Dr. Chinn's Vision Care, we offer comprehensive diagnostic testing and treatment options for MGD, dry eye syndrome, and more. Schedule a consultation and take the first step towards comfortable, clear vision. Your eyes deserve the best care; we’re here to provide it.