In 2019, my optician announced I had dry eyes and specifically Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. He explained that the glands at the base of my eye lashes secrete an oil, and this oil helps maintain the health of your eye by preventing tears evaporating. If these glands become blocked, then your tears evaporate, and your eyes become dry and gritty. For me this manifested as feeling like there was permanently a piece of grit in my eye but soon progressed to a secondary condition called Blepharitis. This is inflammation of the eyelid itself and comes with puffy eyelids and a burning pain sensation, which at times, was so intense, it was all I could think about. Keeping my eyes closed and applying hot compresses, were the only ways I got relief when at its most active. Eye make-up was out of the question.
What causes MGD?
My optician explained that this can be related to hormone imbalances associated with perimenopause and menopause and it is also more common in individuals with rosacea. In 2019 I had significant perimenopausal symptoms and mild rosacea too. You can see from the photo above my skin is sensitive, red and blotchy, and although my eyes don't look sore they lids are red and tight. Approximately 61% of menopausal women experience dry eyes.1
Demodox mites
There was also a third cause of blepharitis and MGD and its creepy. My optician also explained that there are mites living on the skin and eyelashes. These are called Demodex folliculorum. They can become more prolific as we age and particularly in menopause. WHAT!! I have little critters living and multiplying on my eyes, as if night sweats, anxiety and mood swings aren’t enough gifts from the perimenopause, I now have to contend with an infestation of god knows what, on my eyes. You can imagine I felt repulsed and concerned that he was suggesting my personal hygiene is questionable, so I now felt ashamed too!
Apparently, he wasn’t saying that but never the less it was uncomfortable to hear. He explained that my whole cleansing routine needed to change and that there is good evidence that tea tree cleansing products formulated for the eyes helps to reduce the Demodex mites. This, combined with hot compresses and consistent repetitive application of preservative free eye-drops would be the way to manage the condition, and oh yes, makeup is a whole other problem. Being a makeup addict and not being able to tolerate it, meant he was also suggesting an identity change. Makeup would always help me to feel empowered and winged eyeliner and triple mascara were my signature.
Unfortunately, at the time he didn’t have any cleansing products to recommend, so I left with an eye mask to heat in the micro-wave and copious bottles of eyedrops.
My mission to find what worked for me:
I’ve tried a lot including special manuka honey, gloopy night-time ointments, baby shampoo and coconut oil. So here is the short version here for you that have worked for me….
• Hot compresses brought relief in the short term but not practical to do three times a day as recommended due to working hours.
• Two products have been a game changer. Optase Tea tree oil eyelid cleanser, I use this am and pm. It will sting like hell but after a time I’ve adapted, and found it is much easier to tolerate (the tea tree oil eye wipes are unbearable and do not use any tea tree cleansers, wipes etc that are not formulated for the eyes -you will regret it). Then Meiboclean by Eyecare -this is a mascara style eyelash cleanser that you paint along the lash line and onto the lashes like mascara. Its clear. Every time I use this the puffiness along the upper lids is gone!
• HRT -this helped, however in 2022 I was diagnosed with oestrogen receptive ovarian cancer, (that’s a whole other story) and sadly HRT is no longer an option for me.
• Cleansers- I try to avoid cleansers and I’ve found cleansing with a microfibre make up remover wash cloth effectively removes eye makeup. With hot water used as a compress this helps to reduce irritation and discomfort brought on by wearing makeup. Then I follow with the Optase Tea Tree eye lid wash.
• Makeup and skin care-you have to find what works for you. Mascara is out of the question for me in the winter particularly, even specially formulated ones. Weirdly, I can tolerate false eyelashes applied with glue that I remove after every wear (I think trying semi-permanent ones would cause such jeopardy I’m not prepared to risk it), Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner. That’s about all I can tolerate. The magnetic lashes with magnetic liner caused a reaction so bad, it was three weeks before I felt my eyes had recovered. Foundation wise, I can use Altruist dermatologist anti-redness and pigmentation SPF 50 tinted face cream. And It cosmetics BYE BYE under eye. As for Moisturisers, again you have to find what works for you. Start with a ceramide facial cream such a Cerave and then try reintroducing things you like and see if you can tolerate them.
• Contact lenses- controversially, wearing lenses really helps me. I know they can cause dry eyes but having lenses in for a limited period is like having a gel like comfort plaster for me. Anything over 6-8 hours though, it starts to have the opposite effect.
• Central heating and gas fires- these absolutely trigger a flare up. Other than moving to a hotter climate, I just have to step up my heated compresses, eyedrops. And reduce the amount of time I have the heating on, using hot water bottles and blankets to keep warm to reduce using the drying effects of central heating and fires. Which also reduces heating bills.
• Consistent use of eye drops-my preferred one is HYCOSAN extra and believe me I’ve tried many more expensive ones.
• Keep hydrated and take Omega 3 and 6 oils.
• STRESS- yes as always, when stress levels rise this always exacerbates the condition And take breaks from computer screens to blink and squeeze eyelids together in a prolonged blink. This helps to ‘squeeze’ the meibomian glands.
I highly recommend this website for eyecare products:
Other products mentioned you may be able to get from your optician and Amazon is also good- all the items underlined have links for you to go to if you'd like to try them.
I’ve recommended these products to other women with dry eyes and they’ve all said this has been so helpful. So look after your peepers and if you think you’ve got dry eyes go and see your optician. It can’t be cured but you can manage it.
About me: My name is Annette and I am a Reflexologist with a special interest in menopause and aging well. I'm also a holistic facialist and face yoga teacher. The information in this Blog is from my personal experience with MGD and not intended as medical advice.
References: