What is Dry Eye Disease?
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
It Starts With Your Tear Film
Your eyes rely on a thin layer of tears to stay comfortable and clear. This tear film is made up of water, oils, and protective elements that work together to keep the surface of the eye stable.
When this balance is disrupted, the eyes begin to dry out, become irritated, and struggle to maintain clear vision.
The Most Common Cause: Blocked Oil Glands
In many people, dry eye is caused by the oil glands in the eyelids becoming blocked or less active. These glands play a key role in preventing tears from evaporating too quickly.
When they stop working properly:
Tears dry out faster
The eye becomes irritated
Inflammation begins to build
This is known as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) — the leading cause of dry eye.
Dry Eye Is Often Progressive
Dry eye doesn’t usually stay the same.
It often starts as occasional irritation — something you might notice at the end of the day or after screen use. Over time, symptoms can become more frequent and more uncomfortable.
Without addressing the underlying cause, the cycle can continue:
Mild dryness becomes persistent
Irritation becomes inflammation
Temporary symptoms become chronic
This is why early diagnosis and targeted treatment are important — not just for relief, but to prevent further progression.
Why Eye Drops Only Offer Temporary Relief
Eye drops can help soothe the surface of the eye, but they don’t address the underlying issue with tear stability or gland function.
As a result, many people find themselves relying on drops more and more — without seeing long-term improvement.
To truly resolve dry eye, the focus needs to shift from short-term relief to treating the root cause.
A specialist consultation allows us to assess your symptoms in detail and identify what’s driving your dry eye.