what?????memobian gland dysfunction!!!!!!!

[eye2dry]

hello to all

Today I saw the retina specialist my eye dr insisted I see.
My eye dr could see my eyes were inflamed and he wanted a second
opinion on the iritis/scleritis possibility. d/t sjogrens and ra

The specialist says the inside of my eye looks good, no retinal
problem I can see "today"?what does that mean
I go back in 2 months.

He is sending me back to my eye dr to treat a definet problem
of ****memobian gland dysfuction*****
he says that my eyes are not getting enough oil and my watery
layer of my eye just evaporates. my oil glands are plugged up.
which the dry eyes become inflamed, burn, sting and then my terrible
photosensitivity.

I tell you my eyes do not feel dry, I only use eye drops for lubrication
in the am and before bedtime.

Apparently my regular eye dr will offer some kind of treatment/med to help
with this. If that does not work.................guess what he suggests?

LIPOFLOW treatments....insurance will not pay for it.
One treatment is $1500.00 and good for 9-12 months
It uses heat and massage to my eyelids.


Anyone been told they have this dysfunction?
What were you treated with?


thanks.

shelly

[BUFFY]

Generally, Shelly, the treatment for Meibomeitis is warm compresses to the eyes for 3-5 minutes, followed by "massage" (really means pushing on your eyelids to get the oil out.  Some doctors, in addition, will use antibiotics/steroids.

[cccourt1942]

I had those little pimple like pustules along my upper and lower lids for about five years prior to my dx.  I would wash the area with warm damp cloth..and if I could get to them, I would press on them.  Somehow, they never became infected nor did I cause any problems.  I think the word "dysfunction" got to you.  If it isn't functional, it's dysfunctional.  And that is what happens with some with SjS.  Read on:


What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
MGD, also termed posterior blepharitis, is the most common form of lid margin disease. In the early stages, patients are often asymptomatic, but if left unmanaged, MGD can cause or exacerbate dry eye symptoms and eyelid inflammation. The oil glands become blocked with thickened secretions. Chronically clogged glands eventually become unable to secrete oil which results in permanent changes in the tear film and dry eyes.  Symptoms include:
Dryness                                           
Burning                                           
Itching                             
Stickiness               
Watering     
Light Sensitivity                         
Red Eyes                           
Foreign Body Fensation                         
Chalazion/Styes                       
Intermittent Blurry Vision
What is the Treatment?

1) WARM COMPRESSES
Heating the lids will increase oil production and melt the oil that has solidified in the glands. Use a warm washcloth to apply heat on the eyelids for two minutes. This warms the oil, allowing it to flow more freely, and helps soften lash debris.

2) MASSAGE
Apply light pressure with your index finger or a Q-tip to the lid margin near the lash line.  Roll the finger upward on the lower lid while looking up, then roll the finger downward on the upper lid while looking down. Excessive manipulation of the lids can cause additional irritation, so lid massage and scrubs should be performed only twice a day during the acute stage, and once daily during maintenance
3) LID SCRUBS
This helps to remove oil, bacteria and debris. It also stimulates the oil glands. Use a Q-tip or a warm washcloth on the tips of your fingers to rub along the lash line on the top and bottom lid.
4) FLAX SEED OIL
In addition to the above, some people benefit by adding omega-3 fats to their diet which will help with the oil consistency. About 1tsp/day for toddlers or 1Tbsp/day for older children is enough. Mix with juice, smoothies, or hot cereal. Do not take with blood-thinning medication or blood-sugar lowering medication.   If your child can take pills, there are tablets that can be taken instead (ex Thera Tears Nutrition).
Revised November, 2012

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[Tharrell]

I have that, my tears literally disappear in a blink of an eye! I practise good lid hygene, warm compresses and massages. I was on doxycline antibiotic for a while, but that did not help. Next month eye go back to the eye specialist who is also the head of the sjogren's center here in Houston. I currently have disolvable plugs in my lower ducts and will have permanent plugs put in. This way it actually takes two blinks before my eyes dry up. I tried dalies contact lenses for dry eyes, but could not get them peeled off my dry eye balls. A slight movement of air and my eyes are dry, not good when there are fans on everywhere! Now I'm looking into the FL-41 tinted wrap around glasses that I can wear over my regular glasses. They run for about $120 which is. Heaper than the moisture chamber glasses with the added benefit of the light filter.
My eyes are so dry even restasis gunks up in my eyes. Lacricerts i can forget about completely, the sucked up what little moisture I had and mad a very gunky, painful mess!

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

I was also told I have meibomian gland dysfunction. I was given a tapering dose of prednisolone drops initially and told to do the hot compresses and lid line finger massage daily - and have been told to continue this basically forever.

Think it must just be a part of SjS.

Take care - Scottie 

[Head2Toe]

I have not been diagnosed with MGD - but that description fits my eyes to a 'T'.  I've never had an eye infection (touch wood), but everything else applies - and I've suffered from this misery for well over five years.  Is this something a Rheumy diagnoses - or do I have to see an eye doctor?

I have used hot compresses and massage instinctively from the beginning because it's the only thing that brings any form of relief.

[Tharrell]

The eye doctor finds this through one of their tests, can't remember which one. The test magnifies the glands and he can see if they are clogged or whatever. Rheumy doesn't have that machine, but probably can make a guess at it.

[Kathy57]

Shelly,

It sounds like your doctor is charging you a lot of money for something you might be able to do yourself.

I would respectfully ask for a treatment that my insurance will pay for.  I think you could do the warm compresses and gentle massage on your own?

Also, my eye Dr. Wants me to take 2000 supplement of flaxseed oil daily,  and he told me he means daily. He emphasized it so much that I make sure I do it!

Just a suggestion cause I'm certainly not a doctor and I don't want to get you in trouble.  It seems like a  lot of money  to pay out of pocket. 

Wishing you well.

Kathy

[poisonangel168]

I have MGD as well. I think you've gotten good advice so far. I just wanted to say that I think many Sjögren's patients get this, so you're not alone.

[Tharrell]

It seems like every eye doctor has their own preference. Mine mentioned taking evening primrose oil capsules daily.

[eye2dry]

the retina specialist I just saw asked me if I took fish oil caps

I told him no, I take flaxseed oil caps

he then said "good".

I believe that it helps me....I've taken it 4 years now.

shelly