MGE

Meibomian Gland Evaluator

Standardized, repeatable assessment of Meibomian gland function

Allows easy clinical recognition of Meibomian gland function.

The “Meibomian Gland Evaluator™ (MGE) offers a standardized, repeatable evaluation of the Meibomian gland function by applying the pressure of a physiological blink of the eyelid while the glandular secretions are observed through a slit lamp.

The MGE can easily be integrated into a routine examination and enables eye doctors to determine the function of the glands and to carry out a meaningful follow-up in the treatment of Meibomian gland dysfunction (MDD) .

MGE - Easy to use

Use in slit lamp examinations

• It can be used directly during the anterior segment examination at the slit lamp

• The edge of the eyelid should be wiped off briefly beforehand

Testing in three standardized zones

• According to scientific studies, it is suggested to examine in 3 zones along the edge of the eyelid

  • nasal

  • central

  • temporal

• Physiologically, there are different numbers of meibomian glands in these zones

• 5 glands are examined together by one touch of the MGE instrument

Standardized physiological eyelid pressure

• The MGE is placed below the eyelashes

• The edge of the eyelid is tilted slightly forward

• Then the MGE is gently pressed, whereby the white expressor pushes itself slightly into the handpiece

• The expressor should not disappear completely inside the handpiece, but should remain within its elastic mechanical resistance

• A mechanism then produces a pressure that corresponds to the normal eyelid pressure when blinking and thus allows to estimate the function of the glands.

Evaluation of the gland function

• Active Meibomian glands with normal secretion can be recognized by the fact that a small puddle of clear oil arises at the gland opening (picture above ).

• Disturbed secretion can be recognized by the fact that the exuding secretion is changed, e.g. cloudy, whitish, thick or toothpaste-like

• Inactive Meibomian glands do not show any secretion under the applied physiological lid pressure (figure below ).