"Dry Eye" Is the Wrong Diagnosis for Millions.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Ocular Surface Disease

Background:

• The traditional definition of dry eye is often considered an incomplete diagnosis.
• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is increasingly recognized as a primary cause of dry eye disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the clinical perspective favoring an etiology-based approach to dry eye.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of diagnosing and treating MGD as the root cause in refractory dry eye patients.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective observational analysis of deidentified data from refractory dry eye patients.
• Review of historical and current definitions of dry eye and advancements in MGD diagnosis and treatment.

Main Results:

• Treating MGD by evacuating gland obstructions and rehabilitating gland function was successful in a refractory dry eye population.
• An MGD-first approach can potentially change the timing of diagnosis and frontline therapy for dry eye patients.

Conclusions:

• Diagnosing and treating Meibomian Gland Dysfunction as the primary cause can significantly improve outcomes for many patients.
• Early screening and intervention for MGD during routine care can prevent disease progression and symptom onset.