Dry Eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) affects at least 16 million individuals in the U.S. and is one of the most common reasons for patients to seek eye care. Dry Eye Syndrome occurs when the eyes do not produce enough healthy tears, leading to symptoms such as stinging, burning, watery eyes, redness, blurry vision, a scratchy or gritty sensation, and/or difficulty wearing contact lenses. Tears are essential for lubricating the eyes and maintaining eye health, but environmental factors, aging, certain medical conditions and even certain medications can disrupt tear production or tear quality.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is a common condition that leads to dry eye, tendency to develop styes, and other ocular problems. Patients with MGD have compromised meibomian glands and fail to secrete healthy oils effectively. In a healthy tear film, the oil layer is essential for slowing the evaporation of tears, and without it, tears can be unstable and dry up too quickly. It’s important to seek professional care for dry eye and MGD, as untreated cases can lead to more serious complications. Our doctors at South Pasadena Optometric Group offer dry eye consultations to evaluate symptoms, diagnose the cause, and provide personalized treatment plans. Read on to learn more about some of the treatments our doctors may prescribe!


Schedule an appointment with our doctors today to see if you have dry eyes and are a good candidate for PRN supplements.