Meibomian gland dysfunction: the past, present, and future.

OBJECTIVE

To recount the historic evaluation of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and describe new techniques to monitor disease and therapy.

METHODS

A review of the literature regarding the description of MGD and the role of abnormalities of meibomian gland secretion in health and disease.

RESULTS

Meibomian gland dysfunction is a common clinical condition and is a major cause of evaporative dry eye with associated discomfort, visual disturbance, and contact lens intolerance. Despite the early description of the anatomy and physiology of the meibomian gland, recognition of the importance of the MGD and particularly therapeutic options to treat it has been limited.

CONCLUSIONS

Improved methods of spectroscopic and chemical analysis of the meibomian gland secretion in health and disease are providing a better understanding of the physical and chemical abnormalities of the meibomian gland secretions and are allowing better evaluation of medical therapies.