Did you know that your eyelids contain glands that produce an oil essential for keeping your eyes healthy? These are called meibomian glands, and they prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly.
When these glands get clogged, it can lead to discomfort, irritation, and even blurry vision. The good news is that there are ways to unclog eye glands, both at home and with the help of a professional.
Let’s take a closer look at how to get those glands flowing again!
What are meibomian glands and why are they important?
Meibomian glands live in your eyelids. You have around 30 to 40 of them in your upper eyelid and 20 to 30 in your lower eyelid. These glands produce meibum, an oily substance that’s critical for eye health.
Meibum prevents the tears in your eyes from evaporating too quickly, which keeps your eyes moist and comfortable. It also helps you see clearly.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) happens when these glands become blocked or don’t work as they should. This leads to a shortage of the oily part of your tears.
How do meibomian glands become clogged?
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) can happen for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the more common causes:
- Aging. As you get older, you’re more likely to experience MGD.
- Blepharitis. If your eyelids are inflamed, that can contribute to MGD.
- Contact lenses. Wearing contacts can increase your risk.
- Makeup. Eye makeup, especially if it isn’t removed completely, can clog the glands.
- Hormonal changes. Fluctuations in your hormone levels can play a role.
- Medications. Certain medications can contribute to MGD.
Other factors that can make MGD more likely include rubbing your eyes, poor eyelid hygiene, and environmental factors such as dry air.
What are the symptoms of clogged meibomian glands?
If your meibomian glands aren’t working like they should, you may experience:
- Dryness and grittiness
- Redness and irritation
- Burning or stinging
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes (a common reaction to dryness)
- Eye fatigue
How to unclog meibomian glands at home
Blocked meibomian glands can be a real nuisance, but the good news is you can take steps at home to get things flowing again.
Warm Compresses
Soak a clean washcloth in warm water, wring it out, and then close your eyes and lay the warm compress over your eyelids for 5 to 10 minutes. The warmth will help soften any hardened oils that are clogging the glands.
Eyelid Massage
Right after you remove the warm compress, gently massage your eyelids to express the oils from the meibomian glands. You can massage in a small circular motion, or you can massage upward on the lower lid and downward on the upper lid. Be gentle, though, because the skin around your eyes is delicate.
Eyelid Scrubs/Hygiene
Use a mild cleanser, like baby shampoo diluted with warm water or one of the commercially available eyelid cleansers, to gently scrub your eyelids. This will help remove any debris or bacteria that could be contributing to the blockage. When you’re done scrubbing, rinse your eyelids thoroughly with clean water.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Consider adding more omega-3 fatty acids to your diet or taking a supplement. Some research suggests that omega-3s may improve the quality of the meibum oil your glands produce. As always, it’s best to check with a healthcare pro before you start taking any new supplements.
When to see an optometrist
It’s a good idea to see an eye doctor if:
- Home remedies don’t give you relief.
- Your symptoms get worse or don’t go away.
- You want an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Optometrists have tests to check how well your meibomian glands are working. One of these tests is called tear breakup time, or TBUT. Catching and treating MGD early can help you to manage it effectively.
Professional treatments for MGD
If home remedies aren’t doing the trick, there are a number of procedures your eye doctor can perform.
Prescription eye drops
- Steroid eye drops can ease inflammation.
- Antibiotic eye drops can treat bacterial infections.
In-office procedures
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy: This reduces inflammation and gets your glands working again.
- LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System: This system uses both heat and gentle pressure to unclog your meibomian glands.
- Meibomian gland expression: In this procedure, the doctor manually expresses or squeezes the glands to unclog them.
- Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT): This treatment stimulates the glands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What eye drops are good for blocked eye glands?
When it comes to blocked eye glands, particularly meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), certain eye drops can help manage symptoms and provide relief. Artificial tears are a good starting point to lubricate the eyes and alleviate dryness, but they don’t directly unclog the glands.
For more targeted relief, consider lubricating eye drops specifically formulated for MGD. These drops often contain lipids that help restore the oily layer of your tear film, improving tear quality and reducing evaporation. Some drops also contain ingredients like flaxseed oil or castor oil, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe irritated glands.
If your symptoms are severe or persistent, your eye doctor might recommend prescription eye drops. These could include steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation or cyclosporine eye drops (like Restasis or Cequa) that help increase tear production and reduce inflammation around the glands. Always consult with your eye doctor to determine the most appropriate eye drops for your specific condition and needs.
Beyond eye drops, warm compresses and eyelid scrubs are also crucial parts of a comprehensive approach to managing blocked eye glands. These methods work together to soften and clear blockages, promoting healthy gland function.
In Summary
Keeping your meibomian glands healthy is important for comfortable vision. You can try warm compresses, eyelid massage, and lid scrubs at home, and your eye doctor can offer other treatments.
If you’re concerned about clogged eye glands or dry eye, talk with your eye care professional about the best way to care for your eyes.