A personal routine that helps.
When I was diagnosed with a chronic condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction last year, I felt more relieved than worried. That’s because I had been dealing with persistent dry eye symptoms ever since I started wearing contact lenses at age 14 – an ongoing struggle that lasted for years. So, while a diagnosis of a chronic disease might sound scary, I was genuinely relieved to finally have answers and start the right treatment.
When I initially shared my symptoms, most eye doctors would just brush it off, suggesting I wear my contacts less or reduce screen time. They never really addressed the root of the problem and simply assumed it was due to frequent contact lens use – which, to be fair, was partly true.
However, no one ever took a deeper look at the overall health of my eyes. Eventually, it got so bad that I finally found a doctor who was able to diagnose me with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)… 14 years later.
I can’t stress how important it is to advocate for yourself when it comes to your health.
MGD is a chronic condition where the tiny oil glands in your eyelids, called meibomian glands, become blocked or stop functioning properly, leading to dry eyes and other symptoms.
Since then, it’s been a journey learning how to live with and manage this condition.
The information in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your health. This post reflects my personal experience.
How to Alleviate Dry Eye Symptoms
In-office treatments to help manage Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
I’m currently seeing my doctor for in-office treatments. So far, I’ve completed three sessions of OptiLight IPL and one session of TearCare. These treatments are designed to help alleviate and manage dry eye symptoms.
My doctor tailored the treatment plan specifically to address my Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
These treatments can get pricey, so if you’re on a budget, you might consider skipping them and focusing on the consistent morning and night care routines below to see if that helps relieve your dry eyes.
- OptiLight IPL by Lumenis – first and only IPL FDA-approved for management of dry eye and MGD
- TearCare – localized heat therapy treatment
Morning Eye Care Routine
- Warm roller massages: Warm a small eye roller under hot water (be sure to test the temperature on your hand before applying it near your eyes). Gently massage your upper and lower eyelids to warm and loosen the oils. Use horizontal motions back and forth, followed by vertical strokes moving toward the glands on both your upper and lower lids.
- Allergy eye drops: Allergies can cause itching, dryness, and redness, so if you have eye allergies, make sure to use allergy eye drops to help relieve symptoms. I like to store mine in the fridge for a soothing, cooling effect. I usually buy generic over-the-counter drops from the pharmacy, but I also really like Pataday Once Daily.
- Preservative-free eye drops: Use preservative free eye drops throughout the day as needed, emphasis on preservative free.
- Fish oil pills: I took this daily when my MGD symptoms were at their worst. Eventually, I reached a point where my oil production normalized, and I no longer needed to take fish oil supplements. My doctor recommended this brand of fish oil because the most effective formula for eye health has a 3:1 EPA to DHA ratio. EPA has anti-inflammatory properties, while DHA supports brain function and helps build and protect cell walls.
Nighttime Eye Care Routine
- Warm roller massages: Do this routine both morning and night. At night, instead of warming the roller under hot water, use a heated eye mask to warm your eyelids. Once they’re warmed up, use the eye roller to massage the area.
- Eye ointment: The Optase eye ointment helps ease symptoms of nighttime dry eye. It does blur your vision, so I apply it every night right before bed.
- Castor oil: For additional lubrication and extra relief, I like to use castor oil. Apply a small amount to your fingertips and gently massage it onto your upper and lower eyelids. This also causes temporary blurred vision, so I prefer to do it right before going to sleep.
- Sleeping goggles: If you sleep with your eyes open or with a fan on, sleeping goggles are designed to block out dry air and create a moisture-rich environment for your eyes, eyelids, and the surrounding skin.
Essentials for my eye care routine:
This routine can be a bit cumbersome, but it truly helps keep my symptoms at bay. While there’s no definitive cure for MGD, I’m incredibly grateful that there are treatments and remedies that help improve my symptoms.
