“Why Do My Eyes Burn and Feel Oily or Gritty?” Common Questions About Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Answered

What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, or MGD, is one of the most common causes of dry eye symptoms. The meibomian glands are tiny oil-producing glands that sit along the edges of your eyelids. Their job is to release a protective oil into your tears to stop them evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked or start producing poor-quality oil, the tear film breaks down too fast—and that’s when you get symptoms like burning, grittiness, blurry vision, and eye fatigue. I often explain to patients that dry eye isn’t always about tear quantity—it’s often about tear quality, and MGD is at the heart of it.

What causes the glands to block or stop working properly?

MGD can develop slowly over time and can be triggered by a variety of things—hormonal changes, ageing, rosacea, long-term screen use, contact lenses, or even environmental factors like central heating or air conditioning. In some people, the glands physically narrow and stop producing oil altogether. In others, the oil becomes thick and waxy and just can’t get out. The good news is that we can often get things moving again once we understand where the blockage or dysfunction is happening.

How do I know if I have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

If your eyes feel dry, sore, itchy, or strangely watery—or if you have to blink a lot to clear your vision—there’s a good chance your meibomian glands aren’t functioning properly. MGD symptoms often overlap with dry eye and blepharitis, so it’s not always obvious to patients. That’s why a full clinical assessment is essential. I use high-magnification imaging to look directly at your glands, check their structure and function, and see how healthy (or blocked) they are.

Why does my vision go blurry even though I can still read letters on the chart?

This is a classic sign of MGD. When the oil layer of the tear film is poor or missing, your tear film becomes unstable. Every time you blink, it clears the surface for a moment—but it quickly breaks up again, leaving your vision fluctuating, especially on screens or when reading. Patients often say they can see, but it’s just not clear or comfortable. That’s the tear film, not the glasses prescription.

What’s the difference between MGD and dry eye syndrome?

They’re closely linked. MGD is one of the most common underlying causes of evaporative dry eye. So while dry eye syndrome describes the symptoms, MGD describes one of the key mechanisms. When I assess someone with dry eye, one of the first things I check is their gland function—because if the oil layer is breaking down, standard drops alone won’t solve the problem.

How is MGD treated?

The treatment depends on how severe or blocked the glands are. In early cases, warm compresses, eyelid massage, and specific cleansing routines can help soften and express the oil. But many patients I see have tried this already without much success. That’s where more targeted treatments come in. I might use anti-inflammatory drops if there’s chronic inflammation, insert punctal plugs to retain tears, or recommend medical-grade heat-based therapies to help open and clear the glands more effectively. Sometimes, if there are signs of rosacea or allergy, we tailor the treatment around that too.

Can it be cured completely?

MGD can usually be managed very effectively, but it’s a chronic condition—so we think in terms of control rather than cure. Think of it like brushing your teeth: once things are under control, the aim is to maintain the health of the glands with the right routine, and step in quickly if things flare up again. The earlier it’s identified and treated, the better the long-term outcomes tend to be.

What if I’ve already been using hot compresses but nothing’s changing?

That’s very common. Many patients come to me having used compresses or wipes for months without real improvement. If the glands are significantly blocked, compresses alone may not be enough. I assess whether the glands are still structurally intact and if more active treatment is needed. Sometimes the issue isn’t just blockage—it’s inflammation, gland dropout, or poor oil quality—and that needs a different approach.

How much does a meibomian gland consultation cost?

The full assessment at Edgbaston Eye Clinic is £120. This includes detailed imaging, gland evaluation, slit-lamp examination, and a full discussion of your symptoms, history, and treatment options. I don’t rush these appointments. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what’s going on and what steps we can take to help.

And who will I be seeing?

You’ll be seen by me, Don Williams. I’ve been managing dry eye and eyelid conditions like MGD for over 15 years, both in hospital settings and privately here at Edgbaston Eye Clinic in Birmingham. I’ve treated everything from mild irritation to chronic meibomian gland disease in patients who’ve seen multiple specialists before. You’ll receive one-to-one care, honest advice, and a plan tailored specifically to your eyes.

How do I book an appointment?

You can book directly by phone, email, or through our website. You don’t need a referral, and we offer flexible appointment times, including weekends. If your eyes feel tired, dry, blurry, or uncomfortable—and nothing seems to help—it might be time to get your glands properly checked.