Treatment of dry-eye syndrome using punctal plugs.

Meibomian Gland Expression

Restoring healthy oil flow for long-term dry eye relief

At The Eyesmith, we offer Meibomian Gland Expression using precision titanium forceps — a highly effective way to clear blocked oil glands and improve the quality of the tear film.
This procedure is a key part of managing Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), one of the most common causes of evaporative dry eye.

Understanding Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

The meibomian glands, located along the eyelid margins, secrete natural oils (meibum) that form the outer layer of your tears.
These oils prevent tears from evaporating too quickly, keeping the eyes smooth and comfortable.

When these glands become blocked or the oil becomes thick and stagnant, the tear film breaks down faster — leading to dryness, irritation, redness, and fluctuating vision.

What Meibomian Gland Expression Does

Meibomian gland expression is a therapeutic procedure that helps restore normal gland function by:

• Clearing blockages and removing thickened or waxy oil

• Stimulating natural oil flow to improve tear stability

• Reducing inflammation along the eyelid margins

• Relieving symptoms of dryness, burning, and blurred vision

Over time, regular expression can help revive partially blocked glands, improving their ability to secrete healthy oils naturally.

Our Technique: Titanium Forceps Expression

At The Eyesmith, we use medical-grade titanium forceps to precisely and gently express the glands after softening them with warm compress therapy or in-office heating.
A drop of topical anaesthetic (Oxybuprocaine) is used to ensure comfort throughout.

The titanium forceps allow your optometrist to apply consistent, targeted pressure — enough to clear obstruction without damaging the delicate gland tissue.

What to Expect During the Procedure

1. Anaesthetic drops are applied to numb the eye area.

2. Heat therapy is used to soften the meibum within the glands.

3. Gentle expression is performed using titanium forceps to clear blocked oil.

4. The lids may feel slightly tender afterward, but this settles quickly.

5. Lubricating or anti-inflammatory drops may be used post-procedure for comfort.

The procedure typically takes 10–20 minutes, and most patients notice improved comfort, less grittiness, and clearer vision within a few days.

Benefits of Meibomian Gland Expression

• Improved tear film stability and quality

• Reduced evaporation and dryness

• Relief from burning, stinging, and irritation

• Enhanced comfort with contact lenses

• Prevention of long-term gland atrophy

Many patients benefit from combining this with IPL therapy, lid hygiene, or Omega-3 supplementation as part of a tailored dry eye management plan.

Your Personalised Treatment Plan

At The Eyesmith, every treatment is based on your individual dry eye profile, determined through detailed diagnostic imaging and tear analysis.
Your optometrist will discuss how often gland expression is needed and whether to combine it with other therapies for the best long-term results.

Regain comfort and clarity with healthy oil gland function.
Book your Dry Eye Assessment at The Eyesmith today to see if Meibomian Gland Expression is right for you.