If you’ve been experiencing immense dryness in eyes, then let us tell, this could be the symptom of Meibomian gland dysfunction. It is also known as dry eye syndrome. This dysfunction is on its all time high among women due to use of excess makeup around eyes. If not taken seriously and treated timely, it can lead to blepharitis which causes extreme difficulty to see, said doctors. Latest medical reports suggested that though MGG (Meibomian gland dysfunction) was usually seen due to ageing, but now the trend has shown a shift. It is seen in young women as well.
"The changing trend of make-ups causing MGD is dangerous. Eyeliner and other make-up usually clog the meibomian glands leading to formation of painless lumps in the eyelids hence obstructing the vision," said Mahipal Sachdev, Director, Centre for Sight, a chain of eye centres in North India.
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The meibomian produce oils that prevent tears from evaporating quickly. When this gland fails to function properly, it is restricted from producing oil. This causes the dryness of eyes, according ot Sachadev.
"The oil may sometimes thicken leading to cause benign lumps in the eyelids known as chalazion. MGD is the most known and leading cause of dry eye syndrome, blepharitis and in extreme cases loss of vision," said Sachdev.
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Medical Sciences says that there are around 40 such glands that produce oil that flows out of the eyes as tears to keep the eyes moistened. Thickening of this oil restricts its flow causing accumulation and blockage, forming a lump in the eyelid. A blocked oil gland causes this condition of red swollen eyelids.
"Around 40 per cent of the women with high usage of eye make-up products tend to get affected with oil gland blockages. Parabens and yellow wax used in mascara and eyeliners to stiffen them to make it waterproof are the same chemicals that also clog the oil glands leading to MGD, chalazion, dry eye syndrome and blepharitis," Parul Sony, senior consultant and director of Gurgram's Complete Eye Care.
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The eye-ageing creams contain retinoids which also causes thickening and degeneration. Too much makeup around eyes can kill blood cells in the meibomian gland ducts. The study was conducted by Canada’s University of Waterloo. It revealed that people who use eyeliner on the inner eyelid are more prone to contaminate their eyes and experience blurred vision.
(With IANS Inputs)
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