Meibomian gland dysfunction

My question is that I have been suffering for what seems to be an eternity with a problem with my tear film.  I had a bad eye infection back in December of 2009 which left me with scarred corneas and an altered tear film.  I am a soft contact lens wearer but I have had to limit my wear because of they are uncomfortable and I can't see well out of them due to the corneal scars.  I have gone to several Ophthalmologist and Optometrist and I am currently being fit for RGP which are almost impossible to wear b/c of my tear film.  Now, my question is that every time I go to the doctor they blow off the whole dry eye thing saying my tear film looks fine.  However, ever since the eye infection my tears have been especially oily (you can see it moving on my eye) and I have bubbles that I can visibly see.  I work on the computer and this is really affecting my quality of life.  I have done extensive research on the internet and I believe my symptoms appear to be in line with something that is called Meibomian gland dysfunction however I have never even had a doctor look at my lids even though I complain about how painful they are.  I wake up every morning and my eyes hurt so bad and are bloodshot.  I have to splash cold water and wash all the oil off of them but that only helps for a while.  It continues through the day.  Does anyone know of any doctors that are in the Birmingham, Alabama area that would actually test to see if I have this condition.  I am miserable and I am worried about further corneal damage b/c I already have scars which may or may not have been caused by this condition.  My understanding is that is is highly under diagnosed.  Any feedback would be appreciated.  Thanks!

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

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