September 29, 2026

Dry, irritated eyes are not always caused by a lack of tears. For many patients, the problem involves the quality of their tears. Meibomian gland dysfunction, commonly called MGD, occurs when the oil-producing glands along the eyelids become blocked or stop functioning properly. At East Main Vision Clinic in Puyallup, we evaluate these glands to identify whether MGD is contributing to ongoing dry eye symptoms.

How Meibomian Glands Support Healthy Tears

The meibomian glands produce oils that form an important part of the tear film. This oily layer helps keep tears from evaporating too quickly. When the glands become clogged or inflamed, they may release too little oil or oil that is too thick to spread properly.

The result is often evaporative dry eye. Without treatment, prolonged gland blockage may eventually lead to gland atrophy or loss of function, making early evaluation especially important.

Common Signs of MGD

Meibomian gland dysfunction can cause symptoms that vary throughout the day and may worsen with prolonged screen time, contact lens wear, or environmental conditions. Patients may experience:
 

• Burning, stinging, or gritty eyes

• Redness or irritated eyelids

• Watery eyes despite feeling dry

• Fluctuating or blurry vision

• Sensitivity to light

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably

• Tired or heavy-feeling eyes

Because these symptoms can overlap with other eye conditions, a professional dry eye evaluation can help determine what is actually causing the discomfort.

How We Diagnose Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

At our Puyallup Dry Eye Center, we look beyond symptoms alone. Our evaluations can include meibography and Oculus 5M imaging to examine meibomian gland health, tear film quality, blinking patterns, tear breakup, and the lipid layer of the tears. This information allows us to build a treatment plan based on the underlying cause of each patient’s dry eye.

MGD Treatment Options in Puyallup

Treating meibomian gland dysfunction typically focuses on improving gland function, reducing inflammation, and creating a healthier tear film.

For appropriate patients, we may recommend OptiLight IPL to address inflammation associated with MGD. We also offer iLight low-level light therapy, which uses controlled light energy to support healthier meibomian gland function and reduce eyelid inflammation.

When debris, oil, or biofilm along the eyelids contributes to irritation, ZEST provides an in-office eyelid cleansing treatment that supports a healthier environment around the tear film. Your treatment plan may combine therapies depending on the condition of your glands and the severity of your symptoms.

Get to the Source of Your Dry Eye

If persistent dryness, burning, blurry vision, or irritated eyelids are affecting your comfort, schedule a dry eye evaluation with East Main Vision Clinic. We can assess your meibomian glands and recommend treatment designed around the source of your symptoms. Visit our office in Puyallup, Washington, or call (253) 780-0700 to book an appointment today.