What are the glands in your eye?

What are Meibomian (Oil) Glands? Meibomian glands are the tiny oil glands which line the margin of the eyelids (the edges which touch when the eyelids are closed). These glands secrete oil which coats the surface of our eyes and keeps the water component of our tears from evaporating (drying out).

What causes clogged eyelid oil glands?

What causes meibomianitis? Meibomianitis occurs when the meibomian glands in the eyelids don’t work properly. Excess oil released from these glands will accumulate on the eyelids. As the oil accumulates, bacteria that are normally present in the eyes and skin begin to multiply.

Where are the glands around your eyes?

Did you know that you have approximately 75 oil glands in the eyelids of each eye? These glands are called Meibomian glands and are located just behind the eyelash follicles. Their important role is to secret Miebum, which is oil, into your tear film.

How long does it take to unblock eye glands?

If patients perform this treatment daily and correctly, they will complete the regimen within 6 weeks by reaching more than 65\% opening of the meibomian gland pores. For maintenance, patients should continue with massaging the lids (without heat pads) daily in the shower to keep the pores unblocked.

What do Meibomian glands look like?

There are approximately 20 to 30 meibomian glands on the lower lid and 40 to 50 on the upper lid. Healthy glands are easily visualized by illumination of either lid, and appear as grape-like clusters attached to a central stalk.

What does a blocked oil gland look like?

The trapped sebum forms a lump that you can easily move. If bacteria get caught in the lump, too, you may notice that it starts to smell. When sebaceous cysts leak, the fluid looks gray and cheesy, and it has a foul odor.

Do Meibomian glands grow back?

No. Meibomian glands DO NOT regenerate. Once they are destroyed from chronic MGD, they are gone for good. Early diagnosis and treatment is key to preventing further progressive irreversible loss of Meibomian glands and permanence of evaporative dry eye disease.

Can I express my own meibomian glands?

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.

How do I know if my Meibomian gland is blocked?

The eyelids can become sore and swollen as the glands become blocked. As the eyes become dry, they can feel itchy or gritty, as if there’s something in the eye. The eyes may be red, and if they’re sore, may be watery, which can cause vision to become blurry.