Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is one of the leading causes of common ocular symptoms including dry eye, burning sensation, photophobia and epiphora induced by wind. As a crucial pathological phenotype of MGD, meibomian gland atrophy can trigger more severe ocular discomfort in patients. In recent years, affected by multiple factors such as adverse eye habits, environmental changes and unhealthy lifestyles, the overall prevalence of meibomian gland atrophy has been rising steadily. Clinically, its affected population shows a distinct younger-onset trend. At present, there is a lack of curative therapeutic strategies that can effectively reverse glandular damage and promote the tissue regeneration of atrophic meibomian glands. A variety of risk factors, including aging, systemic diseases, chronic ocular inflammation, medication effects, environmental irritation and unhealthy ocular behaviors, also participate in and accelerate the occurrence and progression of meibomian gland atrophy. The research progress on risk factors of meibomian gland atrophy at home and abroad were reviewed, aiming to provide novel insights for the research on its pathogenesis and clinical treatment.