Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms, and How It Affects Your Eyes

When your eyes feel gritty, burn, or water constantly—even when you’re not crying—it’s often not allergies or fatigue. It’s likely meibomian gland dysfunction, a condition where the oil-producing glands along your eyelids get clogged and stop working properly. Also known as MGD, it’s the top reason people suffer from chronic dry eye. These tiny glands, hidden inside your upper and lower eyelids, make the oily layer of your tear film. Without that oil, your tears evaporate too fast, leaving your eyes exposed and irritated.

Meibomian gland dysfunction doesn’t happen overnight. It builds up over time from things like too much screen time, wearing makeup that clogs pores, aging, or even just poor eyelid hygiene. It often shows up with blepharitis, inflammation of the eyelid margins that causes redness, flaking, and crusty lashes. Many people mistake it for conjunctivitis or dryness from wind, but the real issue is the oil—either it’s not being made, or it’s too thick to flow out. That thick, waxy oil blocks the glands, and without it, your eyes dry out fast.

This isn’t just an annoyance. Over time, untreated meibomian gland dysfunction can damage the surface of your eye and even lead to permanent changes in tear production. It’s closely tied to dry eye syndrome, a broader condition where your eyes don’t make enough tears or the tears aren’t of good quality. People who work on computers all day, wear contacts, or take certain medications like antihistamines or acne pills are at higher risk. It’s also common in older adults and those with skin conditions like rosacea.

The good news? Most cases respond well to simple, consistent care. Warm compresses, gentle lid scrubs, and avoiding heavy eye makeup can make a big difference. Some people need professional treatments like gland expression or light therapy. What you won’t find in a quick fix is a magic pill—this is about daily habits and protecting the delicate oil system in your eyelids.

Below, you’ll find real-world insights from people who’ve dealt with this, along with guides on what works, what doesn’t, and how to spot early signs before your eyes start hurting every day. Whether you’re just noticing discomfort or have been struggling for years, there’s something here that can help you take back control.