Lux Dry Eye Center Zurich
The most common driver of dry eye.
When the meibomian glands deliver too little or altered lipid, the tear film evaporates too quickly. We image the glands and derive the appropriate treatment from those findings.
Understanding MGD
The meibomian glands sit within the eyelid margins and release a fine lipid with every blink. This secretion forms the outermost layer of the tear film and slows its evaporation. In meibomian gland dysfunction the openings narrow, the secretion thickens or gland tissue recedes – and the tear film breaks up sooner.
Burning and grittiness, sticky or reddened lid margins in the morning, fluctuating vision, reduced contact lens tolerance and watery eyes in wind or cold can all point towards MGD. Symptoms usually develop slowly over months.
Alongside slit-lamp examination of the lid margins we use meibography: infrared imaging that reveals gland structure and possible gland loss. We also measure non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), tear meniscus height, the lipid layer and blink quality.
Consistent lid hygiene, warming and an adjusted baseline therapy come first. If symptoms persist and the indication is suitable, light-based treatment with OPE® IPL and LLLT® may be added. Whether that applies in your case is an ophthalmic decision – not every case of MGD requires IPL.
Lid margin & meibomian gland assessment
Targeted slit-lamp inspection of lid margins and meibomian gland openings.
Understanding dry eye
Burning, a gritty sensation or watery eyes can have different causes. Meibomian gland dysfunction is particularly common.
Stinging, a sandy sensation or tired eyes – often more noticeable during screen use.
Briefly blurred vision that changes after blinking.
A compromised ocular surface can paradoxically trigger excessive tearing.
Crusting, tender lids or recurring irritation may indicate blepharitis.
Topcon TERA Dry Eye Imager
TERA combines high-resolution imaging with multimodal analysis. Its findings help us distinguish potential drivers of symptoms, document them clearly and compare changes over time.
Explore diagnostics
Topcon TERA analysis
Tear break-up time, meibomian glands and lid margin measured and reviewed together on screen.
Infrared visualisation of Meibomian gland structure and potential gland loss.
Non-invasive measurement of the time until the tear film first breaks up.
Measurement of tear meniscus height as an indicator of available tear volume.
Qualitative assessment of the distribution and dynamics of the protective oil layer.
Assessment of blink quality, essential for spreading the tear film evenly.
High-resolution colour imaging of the ocular surface and lid margins with standardised grading.
Frequently asked questions
Tear substitutes may relieve symptoms but do not automatically address the underlying driver. In MGD, for example, the tear film's lipid layer is central.
Core measurements such as NIBUT, meibography and tear meniscus height are non-invasive. Any additional ophthalmic examination is explained beforehand.
This depends on your findings, their severity and your response over time. We can only recommend a suitable protocol after assessment.
No. We review medical suitability, skin type, relevant medication and potential contraindications before treatment.
Many patients can continue their normal day immediately. You will receive advice tailored to your situation.
Further reading
The Meibomian glands supply the lipid layer of the tear film. How dysfunction develops – and how it can be documented objectively.
An infrared image reveals what the lid margin hides: the structure and possible loss of the meibomian glands.
Red, itchy or crusted lid margins are typical signs of blepharitis. How the inflammation develops and how lid care succeeds.
Lux Augenzentrum
Arrange an appointment for a thorough assessment and a personalised treatment recommendation.
Thurgauerstrasse 105 8152 Glattpark (Opfikon), Zurich
