Blepharitis Meibomian Glands Dysfunction (MGD) - Dry Eyes
Posted , 7 users are following.
Hi Everyone,
Sorry to create another thread regarding this topic but I'm really interested in what worked and what "cured" some people conditions regarding Blepharitis Meibomian Glands Dysfunction (MGD) ? Some people often claim they found a cure and etc. but then disapears leaving the rest of everyone who suffer from this with questions. I'm sure those who found relief or a cure at one point was the same as those who are now suffering from this, looking and researching online to see what to do to heal from this. It would be much appreciated if you can share with us the experience, symptons and regime that you followed. THANKS
0 likes, 15 replies
girl32479 esaxe25
Posted
Hello and good evening!
I was diagnosed with posterior blepharitis / MGD in 2016. I’ve had a lot of phases, the worst lasting the first 2 years. I had constant chalazions (3 surgically removed) and my eyes were just so sore and so dry all the time.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely not cured; but I have way better phases. Since then, it’s not been THAT bad as long as I am careful to maintain it.
I use a microwave bag (Amazon) ideally twice a day (but let’s be real, it’s often once, or not at all!) followed by performing a small eye massage on my lids to hopefully squeeze any oil out that’s been diluted a bit by the hot mask. I then use a Blephaclean or Ocusoft wipe. I then use a thick eye ointment like Vitapos overnight; and a thinner lubricant whenever I remember throughout the day (like hydramed or hylo forte) as many times as I can remember to do so.
On top of this, what REALLY made the difference for me was taking Omega 3 / some sort of “eye health” tablet twice a day.
I know it’s a lot, but this regime for 6 months got my eyes good enough to have laser correction surgery (for my vision) - my doctor said there was basically no evidence of my dry eye or bad meibomiam glands at all! Nearly cried with joy! I tried all the gimmicks btw (honey; baby shampoo; etc etc) and they never worked for me. Just keep at it 😃
It’s not all easy as they’re not perfect again right now. I’m not always consistent though, I do forget my mask and my drops and wear makeup often. But keep working at it and I promise it gets better xx
esaxe25 girl32479
Posted
thanks so much for the repsonse. do you know what was the cause of your MGD? Have you tried tee trea oil? Are the eye drops you're using for dry eyes? Curious about the eye drops since you said your doctor said there's no sign of dry eyes
girl32479 esaxe25
Posted
my MGD started with a simple bacterial eye infection (foreign body in/near eye) in 2016 . never the same again. What about you?
there are definitely signs of my MGD now - my eyes are pretty dry again but through strictly following the steps i mentioned, i was able to get my eyes to a REALLY good place.
i never used tea tree oil and i paid for many a private specialist who NEVER mentioned that or any other of the online gimmicks. sounds way too aggressive on the eye, too. My maintenance drops (hydramed/hyloforte/vitapos) yes are all lubricants intended solely for the treatment of dry eyes. Along the way, during my flare ups, my specialists also prescribed opatanol (for allergic symptoms), antibiotics like chloramphenicol (for infection), FML drops (for severe swelling) and other steroid drops that i dont remrmber the name of. So as you can see, i used a LOT of treatments!
when doc got me to a point where i wasnt developing a new chalazion every few days, and my eyes weren't SO inflamed, it was the maintenance steps: lubricant, mask, wipes, massage.
If you have any more Qs, just ask 😃 im happy to help/support . ive been through it myself and its distressing at times.
esaxe25 girl32479
Posted
Thanks, I believe my MGD came from demodex. I used to stay in a garage which is why I believe that is the cause. Heard a lot of great benefits for demodex MGD from manuka honey and tea tree oil which is what I'm tryinf now. The oil in my glands arent bad but I believe my lid is slighty inflame so its preventing good flow/secretion. May I ask your age?
esaxe25 Janey7
Posted
i didnt advise any eye drops
girl32479 Janey7
Posted
im also not advising any eye drops 😃 theyre almost all prescription so not possible unless doc recommends and prescribes.
girl32479 esaxe25
Posted
yes i have read a lot about demodex too. it is definitely worth trying the gimmicks - EVERYTHING (within reason) is worth trying!! i am 24, first diagnosed at 21 and it broke my heart - thought i would never live a "normal" life again but i do 😃
esaxe25 girl32479
Posted
Wow, I'm 25 and was diagnose with dry eyes at 22. The optometrist just told me I had dry eyes and gave me drops. My eyes didn't physically fee dry but I notice a loss in vision acuity. I had to do extensive research myself to find out I had MGD. Do you still have dry eyes?
girl32479 esaxe25
Posted
my eyes also never felt dry. they also looked fine, no redness or visible swelling. my eyes just felt stuck together every day when i woke up, my contact lenses felt absolutrly horrible and i was getting a nee chalazion/stye/cyst sometimes up to every few days.
what are your symptoms? whats the main struggle for you? what madeyou decide it must be MGD? i spent absolutrly hours reading about mine - it took 1 GP visit and 2 hospital visits for my diagnosis which i got at moorfields eye hosp. Always seemed strange to me that it took so long to diagnose when its an incredibly common condition!!
girl32479
Posted
meant to say new* chalazion, not "nee"!
yes i still have very dry eyes unfortunately. severity fluctuates, dont really know any triggers except i am extremely sensitive to sunlight.
esaxe25 girl32479
Posted
The only thing I struggle with is loss of vision, little bit of dryness and waking up with stuck eyelids from time to time currently. I came to the conclusion that it was MGD because I couldn't see any secretion of oil. My oil comes out clear but I believe due to the unnoticable inflammation of my eyelids, its preventing it from proper secretion. There were moments where I gently press my eyelids and and meibum will come out nicely almost thin as water, this was 4 days after i did IPL and 1 day after I applied manuka honey which I think it might be mostly the IPL lowering the inflammation. I've been told doxycycline lowers inflammation which is why it workse for some. I'm going to start an anti inflammatory diet soon and see how it goes.
sandra44344 esaxe25
Posted
hi! did manuka honey help with the demodex?
switchboard esaxe25
Posted
Good evening!
First of all, there is hope. I was desperate to find a cure for my MGD when it was first diagnosed in 2003. I probably saw some five (5) specialists at that time, and just like you, did a ton of research. A year later, I realized that a combination of different regimens, as suggested by the doctors, worked for me. I took control.
During my worst year, I was taking Doxycycline everyday. I had to stop wearing contact lenses. I was also applying hot compress on my eyes at least twice a day. I was cleaning my eyelids and washing my face several times a day. I had to wear eye plugs to prevent dry eyes.
After a year, the eye plugs were removed and Doxycycline discontinued. Instead, I used Refresh eye drops every day for my dry eyes. The daily hot compresses continued (morning and evening). Very important is my eyelash hygiene. I started using Blephagel on my eyes several times a day. I was taking fish oil supplements everyday. I avoided junk food, especially fried ones.
Since 2006 to the present, I have stopped wearing contact lenses completely, except the disposable ones, on rare occasions. I am no longer taking any medications or supplements. I have gotten used to my daily eye routine - no exemptions: hot compress in the morning, followed by eyelid hygiene using Blephagel and a drop or two of Refresh eye drops. I avoid eye make-up as much as I can.
I have recently seen an ophthalmologist to check on my eyes. She says that everything looks fine with my eyes. She even recommended laser surgery on my eyes. I may have to spend more time to care for my eyes, using eyeglasses, less/no eye makeup, but I am grateful that I can now say that my MGD has been successfully managed.
I hope that other people would have some ideas, through my post, on how to manage their own conditions.
ruby593 esaxe25
Posted
Hi there,
I've had MGD for 1.5 years now and have also had problems with recurring chalazions. During my most severe flare up, both eye lids on one eye were swollen thick in pain, I could hardly keep the eye open. My vision was affected badly. Since then I've had little issues. The minor dry eye symptom here and there but over all pretty manageable. I was also misdiagnosed during the first few months, so finding a reputable specialist is key. The trick is to also find what works best for YOU. Since there are so many individual culprits. Smoking, fast food, dust, make up, etc etc. It's obviously easier said than done. But the most important thing is too keep the lids as clean as possible. Wash twice a day, heat twice a day. I use Blaphadex which provides lasting relief all day. Especially for the itching. I suggest trying it out some time !
ruby593 esaxe25
Posted
Also changing your pillow cases every night is very important in keeping the demodex away as well.
I also recommend buying a tea tree oil face moisturizer. I apply it twice a day. As demodex can travel from other parts of your face to your eyes.