Unclogging
Restasis, Cequa, and/or Xiidra. Mild steroid drops such as Alrex, Inveltys, Flarex, FML, or Lotemax. Miebo (perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution) prescription eye drops four times daily. These drops mimic the meibomian gland secretions reducing the rate of evaporation of your tears from the surface of your eyes.
Warm Compresses: Applying a warm eye mask over your eyes can help soften the oils in the meibomian glands and promote their secretion. To use a warm compress, heat the eye mask according to the manufacturer's instructions, then place it gently over your closed eyelids for 5-10 minutes.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy can help reduce the inflammation in your meibomian glands with precise wavelengths of light. IPL treatment can target clogged meibomian glands, removing the inflammation that can cause blockages and promoting the healthy flow of oils.
Use a soft brush or a mild scrub in a circular motion. Follow up with warm compresses—a warm, damp cloth pressed gently against the skin can coax those stubborn glands open, soothing the inflamed area and encouraging a natural flow. Hydration is another key player in maintaining happy sweat glands.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
You are followed by 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar. Cover the drain with a plug and let the hot water mixture sit for 5 minutes. Pour 1 cup of boiling water down the drain to finish. Test your sink to see if the clog has been removed.
In its early stage, you might not have any. But as MGD progresses and you have less oil or poor-quality oil in your tear film, your eyes may burn, itch, or be irritated or dry. It might feel like you have a grain of sand or dust in your eye. An irritated, inflamed eyelid may be red.
Before you reach for eyedrops or allergy tabs, try a warm compress for eyes. It could bring you some pretty fast relief!
With clean hands, massage along the length of the eyelids towards the ear (massage upper lid down and the lower lid up) with the eyes closed using comfortable pressure. Massage for 30 seconds and repeat 5–10 times after warming the eyelids. This helps to push the oil out of the glands.
Niacinamide, a derivative of vitamin B3, could help reduce sebum excretion rates and reduce the appearance of oily skin. According to one 2017 review , 100 people who applied topical products with 2% niacinamide experienced significant reductions in sebum production rates after 2–4 weeks of use.
Can you do meibomian gland expression at home? No, it is usually better to have it done in-clinic. Some eye specialists may also recommend regular expression at home as part of a continuous MGD management and treatment plan.
After the application of warm compresses, patients with all forms of posterior blepharitis should massage their lids to help express meibum from deep within the glands. Lid scrubs. These help to remove oil, bacteria and debris, as well as to stimulate the meibomian glands.
Meibomian gland probing often gives relief from discomfort within a few days if it is successful. However, it can take several weeks (or even a few months) for the glands to gradually return to normal function, producing good oils.
Eyeliner, mascara, and other products can lead to or worsen your dry eye. They can clog the meibomian glands in your eyelids, which make the oil for your tears.
Aging, hormone changes, infrequent blinking, and a diet low in omega-3 fatty acids or high in omega-6 fatty acids can all cause MGD. MGD occurs when the opening to the meibomian glands becomes clogged. The most important part of the treatment is a daily eye care regimen.
Swollen glands should go down within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the cause. You can help to ease the symptoms by: resting. drinking plenty of fluids (to avoid dehydration)
Whiteheads: A clog in the opening of a pore can cause a raised white or flesh-colored bump on the skin. Another name for a whitehead is a closed comedo (closed pore) or a zit. Blackheads: A clog that widens the opening of the pore is a blackhead.
Salt, Borax, and Vinegar
This potent mix is great for tougher clogs. Combine 1/4 cup of salt, 1/4 cup of Borax, and 1/2 cup of vinegar. Pour the gritty solution down the drain, followed by a pot of boiling water. Allow it to work overnight, if possible, before flushing with more hot water.