A hands-on procedure that physically clears blocked oil glands along the eyelid margin, usually performed straight after a warming treatment to restore healthy oil flow.
Most dry eye traces back to the meibomian glands along your eyelid margin. When the oil inside these glands thickens or stagnates, it can't flow out on its own, no matter how much warming softens it. Meibomian gland expression is the hands-on step that physically clears that blockage.
Our optometrist applies careful, controlled pressure along the eyelid margin to release the softened oil directly from the glands. It's usually performed immediately after a warming treatment, such as IPL, LLLT or Blephasteam, since softening the meibum first makes it easier, more thorough and more comfortable to clear.
Warming treatments soften what's inside the glands and calm inflammation around them, but they don't physically remove a blockage that's already built up. Gland expression is the step that does, clearing thickened or stagnant meibum directly so the glands can resume normal oil production.
We consider gland expression a foundational part of managing meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), and recommend it as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Following your Dry Eye Assessment, we will determine whether gland expression is appropriate, and which warming treatment should come first.
Gland expression is most effective, and most comfortable, once the glands have been warmed and softened first. We commonly pair it with one of the following.
Our optometrist checks how your meibomian glands are secreting to confirm expression is the right next step for you.
Careful pressure is applied along the eyelid margin, gland by gland, to release the softened, thickened oil.
Your eyes are checked afterwards, and you'll be given simple guidance on lid hygiene to support your results at home.
Typically performed in the same visit as your warming treatment.
A Comprehensive Eye Examination or Dry Eye Assessment is required before starting any dry eye treatment, so we can confirm the treatment is the right choice for your condition. Additional fees may apply for non-Medicare holders.
For patients with more significant lid margin buildup, chronic blepharitis or Demodex involvement, gland expression alone may not fully clear the debris and bacteria sitting on the eyelid margin and lash line. In these cases, we may recommend the Zest Lid Procedure as an additional step for deeper lid margin cleaning.
Every treatment plan starts with understanding your eyes properly. A thorough assessment with our dry eye expert will determine whether gland expression is the right choice for you, rather than a default option offered to everyone, regardless of their individual needs.