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From some of the reading I've done on here it seems as though some are suggesting that the meibomian glands will continue to atrophy and scar if left untreated. I've never had a meibography done so I don't the the exact condition of my glands, but every ophthalmologist I've seen so far as basically taken the approach of trying to treat the inflammation through meds, topicals or compresses. So my question is, for those who have a better understanding of the science of this, are we (and our doctors) doing ourselves a huge disservice by just trying various topicals, etc. rather than focusing more on opening up the glands with probing or other means?
If so, would doing things to get the oil flowing (doxycyclene, warm compresses, omega 3's) be enough to halt the deterioration of the glands or is the only way to halt and reverse the atrophy is to use something more aggressive like probing, IPL, etc.
I could foresee a situation where a doctor is able to bring the inflammation and discomfort down to a manageable level with meds, while the glands themselves continue to deteriorate, thus creating a bigger problem for the patient in the years ahead. If true, as a patient, should I be insisting to any doctor I see that a more aggressive or systemic approach is taken? It's very confusing. I'd like to think I could place my trust in these ophthalmologists, but so much of what I've experienced in medical offices is contradictory to what I read on here.
If so, would doing things to get the oil flowing (doxycyclene, warm compresses, omega 3's) be enough to halt the deterioration of the glands or is the only way to halt and reverse the atrophy is to use something more aggressive like probing, IPL, etc.
I could foresee a situation where a doctor is able to bring the inflammation and discomfort down to a manageable level with meds, while the glands themselves continue to deteriorate, thus creating a bigger problem for the patient in the years ahead. If true, as a patient, should I be insisting to any doctor I see that a more aggressive or systemic approach is taken? It's very confusing. I'd like to think I could place my trust in these ophthalmologists, but so much of what I've experienced in medical offices is contradictory to what I read on here.