The Meibomian Glands

23/10/2018

Dry eye syndrome is a very common disease that affects more than half the population. Dryness of the eyes could be due to insufficient tear production and/or excess evaporation. In the latter case, the problem revolves around the absence or failure of the external lipid-based layer of the tear film (released by the Meibomian glands), which causes excessive evaporation of the tears, an unstable tear film and an inflammatory reaction of the conjunctiva.

Symptoms

As a result of this condition, vision disorders, the sensation of a foreign body, inflammation and other issues, may occur.  Anatomical changes may also arise like atrophy of the exit point of the Meibomian glands, marked by infectious episodes: sties, conjunctival superinfections and even micro-ulcerations of the corneal epithelium.

The daily discomfort faced by patients has led to diverse treatments. Until now, heat was applied and a massage was given, plus good palpebral hygiene with wipes and physiological saline solution washes were also used.

New IRPL treatment

An IRPL (Intense Regulated Pulsed Light) treatment is currently applied. It involves stimulating the Meibomian glands using a  polychromatic pulsed light.

This stimulation helps the glands to recover their secretion and the tear film to regain its normal structure, meaning that the symptoms pertaining to the dryness of the eyes improve and in some cases they are completely relieved.

This treatment is: non-invasive, painless and does not cause any harm to the eyeball. The efficacy of the treatment depends on following a specific protocol.

This protocol involves 3 sessions according to the calendar below:

• Day 1.
• Day 15.
• Day 45.
• Day 75 depending on the severity/stage of the disease.

This protocol can be repeated based on the evolution of each case.

Dra. María Fideliz de la Paz