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Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

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Meibography

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MBG

Description

"Meibography" scan captures detailed images of the meibomian glands, which produce the oil layer in your tear film. Doctors use this scan to diagnose meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a major contributor to dry eye symptoms. The scan highlights blocked, atrophied, or missing glands that affect tear quality. Results help guide treatments like warm compresses, in-office therapies, or medications. Meibography plays a key role in tailoring care plans that improve comfort, stabilize tears, and support long-term eye health.

"Meibography" scan captures detailed images of the meibomian glands, which produce the oil layer in your tear film. Doctors use this scan to diagnose meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a major contributor to dry eye symptoms. The scan highlights blocked, atrophied, or missing glands that affect tear quality. Results help guide treatments like warm compresses, in-office therapies, or medications. Meibography plays a key role in tailoring care plans that improve comfort, stabilize tears, and support long-term eye health.

Category

Eye Function

Procedure

Non-Invasive

Sample Type

No biological sample is needed for this test.

Units

Not Applicable

Procedure Category

Scan, Measure

Test Group

Ophthalmological System Group

Test Group Description

Ophthalmological System Group: Tests within this group focus on evaluating the health and function of the eyes and visual system. These assessments provide insights into visual acuity, eye anatomy, and ocular health.

Optimal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.

Normal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.

Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)

Abnormal results may indicate:


  • Allergic conjunctivitis (Allergic inflammation of the conjunctiva)

  • Blepharitis (Inflammation of the eyelids)

  • Chalazion (Blockage of the Meibomian gland)

  • Dry eye syndrome (Insufficient tear production or poor tear quality)

  • Eyelid surgery

  • Hordeolum (Stye, a bacterial infection of the eyelid)

  • ...

Key Reasons For Testing

  • Diagnosis of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): Identifies gland obstruction or dysfunction causing dry eye symptoms.

  • Assessment of Meibomian Gland Structure: Visualizes gland health to determine MGD severity and guide treatment.

  • Evaluation of Tear Film Dynamics: Assesses tear film stability for managing dry eye syndrome.

  • Monitoring Treatment Response: Tracks effectiveness of therapies like warm compresses or gland expression.

  • Preoperative Assessment for Refractive Surgery: Ensures optimal tear film health for LASIK or PRK outcomes.

Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess

Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.

Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test

Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.

References

Important Note

Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.


Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.

Disclaimer

This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.


Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.

[1] Nichols KK. The international workshop on meibomian gland dysfunction: introduction. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2011;52(4):1917-1921.
[2] Arita R, Fukuoka S, Morishige N. New insights into the morphology and function of meibomian glands. Exp Eye Res. 2017;163:78-85.
[3] Bron AJ, Yokoi N, Gaffney EA, Tiffany JM. A solute gradient in the tear meniscus. I. A hypothesis to explain Marx's line. Ocul Surf. 2011;9(2):70-91.
[4] Shimazaki J. Meibomian gland dysfunction: recent progress worldwide and in Japan. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2018;59(14).
[5] Finis D, Schrader S, Geerling G. Meibography: how does it work? Klin Monbl Augenheilkd. 2017;234(6):707-711.
[6] Knop E, Knop N. Meibomian glands. Part II: Physiology, characteristics, and evolution of their secretory mechanism. Ocul Surf. 2009;7(2):97-107.
[7] Nichols KK, Foulks GN, Bron AJ, et al. The international workshop on meibomian gland dysfunction: executive summary. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2011;52(4):1922-1929.
[8] Den S, Shimizu K, Ikeda T, Tsubota K, Shimmura S, Shimazaki J. Association between meibomian gland changes and aging, sex, or tear function. Cornea. 2006;25(6):651-655.
[9] Rocha EM, Alves M, Rios JD, Dartt DA. The aging meibomian gland: implications for dry eye in older adults. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2008;49(9):3736-3742.
[10] Blackie CA, Solomon JD, Scaffidi RC, Greiner JV. The relationship between dry eye symptoms and lipid layer thickness. Cornea. 2009;28(7):789-794.
[11] Arita R, Itoh K, Inoue K, Amano S. Noncontact infrared meibography to document age-related changes of the meibomian glands in a normal population. Ophthalmology. 2008;115(5):911-915.
[12] Srinivasan S, Agarwal P, Kulkarni R. Tear film lipid layer and meibomian gland morphology in patients with obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction. Eye Contact Lens. 2012;38(3):150-156.

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