Heat mask

A heat mask is applied to your closed eyes while you relax for ten minutes. Heating the oil in the Meibomian glands melts it, allowing better flow.

Anaesthetic

Following this local anaesthetic is used in each eye and on the edges of your lids to loosen cell junctions and reduce discomfort.

Debridement

Lid margin debridement is performed using a gentle, specifically designed lid cleanser on a vibrating tip to remove dead cells, dried lipids and bacteria from the edges of your eyelids and the openings of the Meibomian glands. Many patients find this is tickly and you may get the giggles.

Expression

Once the lipid (oil) in your Meibomian glands is more liquid (runnier) and the blockages of the gland openings have been removed by debridement, the Meibomian glands in both the upper and lower lids are firmly squeezed to encourage the flow of lipids from the glands.

In healthy glands the oil is clear and a similar consistency to vegetable oil. It flows freely with minimal discomfort.

When the Meibomian glands are not functioning well they may produce very little lipid and it may be quite thick. It also may be white or yellow in colour. Unfortunately the thicker the secretion and the worse your symptoms, the more uncomfortable this procedure is. Over time as the Meibomian glands function improves, Meibomian gland expression becomes less uncomfortable.