Blog | Higgins Brothers' Vision Care

How Long Does Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Last?

Posted on October 22, 2024 by Dr. Donald J. Higgins

Close-up of a patient’s green eyes. The whites are bright red eyes, showing irritation from dry eye symptoms

One of the leading causes of dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), an issue that affects the oil content in your tear film. There are ways to lower your risk of developing MGD, but once it develops, untreated MGD often gets worse without proper medical diagnosis and treatment.
Since it cannot be easily treated without medical intervention, MGD can last several years, with symptoms worsening over time. At-home treatments like warm compresses and eye drops can help relieve these symptoms but may not treat the root cause of MGD. To help effectively treat MGD, your optometrist can provide in-office treatments like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Low-Level Light Treatment (LLLT).
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Watery Eyes in Winter: How to Find Relief

Posted on October 17, 2024 by Dr. Donald J. Higgins

A young child enjoys playing in the snow.

Winter can be a magical season filled with snowflakes, cozy sweaters, and warm drinks. But for many, it also brings an unwelcome guest, watery eyes and subsequent dry eyes.
While dry eye is a chronic condition that can be experienced all year round, the dry, airy, and cold winter environment aggravates ongoing symptoms.
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Do Punctal Plugs Work Immediately?

Posted on August 9, 2024 by Dr. Donald J. Higgins

A young woman working at her desk rubbing her eyes with both hands due to dry eye discomfort.

Living with dry eyes can feel like a constant battle. The irritation, redness, and discomfort can make even the simplest tasks—like reading or working on a computer—challenging. But what if there was a simple and almost immediate solution? This is where punctal plugs come in. These are tiny devices that prevent early tear drainage, keeping […]

What Is Meibomian Gland Probing?

Posted on June 27, 2024 by Dr. Donald J. Higgins

A woman gently pulls down her bottom eyelid, indicating a red eye caused by dry eye syndrome.

Dry eye syndrome affects millions of people worldwide, causing discomfort and impacting quality of life. The meibomian glands, tiny oil-producing glands located in the eyelids, play a crucial role in maintaining eye health by secreting oils that prevent the evaporation of the eye’s tear film. However, when these glands become blocked or dysfunctional, it can […]

Amniotic Membranes for Dry Eye: How This Treatment May Help You

Posted on May 29, 2024 (May 29, 2024) by Dr. Donald J. Higgins

Amniotic membranes are a specialized dry eye treatment your eye doctor may offer. This dry eye therapy uses natural tissue to help promote healing and provide protection in cases of persistent dry eye, especially those where the eye is getting damaged. […]

What is Radiofrequency Treatment for Dry Eye?

Posted on May 10, 2024 (May 10, 2024) by Dr. Donald J. Higgins

A close-up view of a woman's visibly dry eye.

Low-energy radiofrequency waves, or RF, gradually warm the skin surrounding the eyes. The heat encourages the release of lipids that stabilize the tear film by helping to clear any clogged glands. […]

What to Expect During Your IPL Treatment for Dry Eye

Posted on April 16, 2024 (April 16, 2024) by Dr. Donald J. Higgins

An optometrist using OptiLight IPL therapy to treat a female patient's dry eye syndrome.

We will walk you through the causes of dry eyes, how IPL therapy works to alleviate dry eyes, and what happens before, during, and after the IPL treatment session we provide at Higgins Brothers’ Vision Care. […]

Eyelid Hygiene Tips: Keeping Your Eyes Healthy & Clean

Posted on March 4, 2024 (March 4, 2024) by Dr. Donald J. Higgins

If you’ve ever had an itching and burning sensation in your eyes, it may have been a condition called “blepharitis.” This condition causes burning sensations, irritation, flaky skin, and more. While your optometrist can help treat your eye condition, prevention is often the easiest way to handle blepharitis. It helps to keep your eyes healthy […]

What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

Posted on February 14, 2024 by Dr. Donald J. Higgins

A woman slightly pulling down her eyelid to expose her dry eyes

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common condition that occurs when the meibomian glands become inflamed, blocked, or disrupted. […]

Why Are My Eyes So Itchy?

Posted on December 28, 2023 (December 28, 2023) by Dr. Donald J. Higgins

An exhausted woman sitting on a couch and her laptop is sitting on the coffee table in front of her. She is taking off her glasses and rubbing her eyes due to itchy and irritated eyes

Nobody likes the feeling of itching, irritated eyes. It’s uncomfortable, a frustrating experience, and leaves you wanting to find relief. While you can get help from your optometrist, there’s often a question people find themselves asking: why are my eyes so itchy? Itchy eyes are often due to: Allergies Think of allergies like your body […]