A 41-year-old American, identified only as Sarah, was diagnosed with an incurable eye disease caused by the habit of sleeping without removing makeup for years. The consultant initially believed her constant dry eyes were just a genetic issue or a consequence of aging, as the doctors who treated her suggested.
Five years ago, Sarah had her first severe experience upon waking with her eyelid stuck to the eyeball. She described the sensation as "velcro" and, upon managing to force her eyes open, she felt a sharp pain. The situation evolved into frequent corneal lacerations, which began occurring every three months.
The crises became debilitating, transforming her life into a succession of moments in which she needed to isolate herself in dark rooms, away from any work or activities with her children, waiting for the pain to pass. The late medical investigation revealed that she suffers from meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a chronic disease in which the glands responsible for producing oils that lubricate the eyes become obstructed or do not function properly.
