Meibomian Gland Expression Treatment

A gentle, in-clinic procedure designed to clear blocked oil glands in your eyelids, restore healthy tear function, and relieve dry eye symptoms.

What is Meibomian Gland Expression?

Meibomian gland expression is a hands-on treatment where your clinician carefully applies controlled pressure to the eyelids to release oil (meibum) from the glands.

These glands line the edges of your eyelids and produce the oily layer of your tears. This oil is essential—it prevents tears from evaporating too quickly and keeps your eyes comfortable.

When the glands become blocked or the oil becomes thick and unhealthy, symptoms such as dryness, irritation, and blurred vision can develop. Expression helps restore normal function by clearing these blockages.

Manual Expression of Lower Lid

Manual Expression of Upper Lid

How Meibomian Gland Expression Works as a Treatment

When glands are obstructed, the oil inside becomes stagnant, thick, and sometimes inflammatory. This disrupts the tear film and worsens symptoms over time.

Treatment helps by:

Unblocking glands and releasing trapped oil

Removing unhealthy, stagnant meibum

Stimulating the production of fresh, healthy oil

Improving tear film stability

Reducing inflammation along the eyelid margin

Regular treatments can play a key role in long-term management of dry eye disease.

Following treatment, many patients report:

Less dryness and irritation

Reduced redness

Improved comfort when reading or using screens

More stable, clearer vision

When is Meibomian Gland Expression Recommended?

You may benefit from treatment if you experience:

Dry, gritty, or uncomfortable eyes
Burning or stinging sensations
Red or inflamed eyelids
Crusting or debris along the lash line
Fluctuating or blurred vision
Symptoms that persist despite home treatments

Your clinician will assess your glands and recommend treatment if they are blocked or not functioning properly.

What Happens During the Treatment?

Meibomian gland expression is a quick, in-clinic procedure.

Your appointment typically includes:

Eyelid warming

Heat is applied to soften the oil inside the glands, making expression more effective and comfortable.

Lid Cleaning or Debridement (if Needed)

If gland openings are blocked (“capped”), the eyelid margins may be gently cleaned to:

Remove debris
Open gland entrances
Improve oil flow

Manual Gland Expression

Your clinician carefully applies pressure along the eyelids to release the oil from the glands. The pressure is adjusted to your comfort level and tailored to each area.

Combining Gland Expression With Advanced Treatments

For optimal results, meibomian gland expression is often used alongside other therapies.

At Dry Eye Centre, we routinely perform gland expression:

After Each Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL) Session

IPL helps to reduce inflammation and improve gland function. Expression immediately afterwards allows the softened oils to be effectively cleared, enhancing the overall treatment outcome.

After a Course of Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT)

LLLT helps stimulate gland activity and improve oil quality. Performing gland expression at the end of the treatment course helps to fully clear the glands and maximise the benefits.

This combined approach improves treatment effectiveness and supports longer-lasting relief.

What Happens if MGD is Left Untreated?

Without treatment, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) can worsen over time.

This may lead to:

Persistent dryness and irritation

Red, inflamed eyelids

Crusting along the lash line

Fluctuating or blurred vision

Long-term Impact

Early and regular treatment helps protect gland health and maintain long-term comfort.

Long-term gland blockage can result in:

Reduced Gland Function

Permanent Gland Loss (Atrophy)

More Severe, Chronic Dry Eye Symptoms

Why We Prefer Manual Gland Expression

While automated systems such as LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System can be useful in some cases, we often recommend manual expression performed by an experienced clinician.