Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

When these meibomian glands do not release the oil into the tears in an efficient manner we refer to that as a condition named meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

One of the main causes of MGD may well be tied to a patient’s blink rate. Theories suggest that the lack of a full or complete blink can result in less pumping activity of the lower eyelid meibomian glands, which are responsible for 78% of the oils in the tear film.

The pumping action occurs during a blink because a muscle named the Riolan muscle surrounds the meibomian glands and is only activated when the eyelids come together during a blink. A partial blink or an incomplete blink will not activate the Riolan muscle.