Meibomian Gland Expression in Edmonton

Clears blocked oil glands and helps restore tear film stability.

The Missing Link in Dry Eye Relief »

If your eyes feel constantly dry, irritated, or tired, and nothing seems to help, the problem may be in your eyelids. Meibomian glands are tiny oil-producing glands along the edges of your upper and lower eyelids. Their job? To produce the essential oil layer of your tear film, which keeps your eyes hydrated and prevents your tears from evaporating too quickly.

Over time, these glands can become blocked or hardened, especially in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). When that happens, artificial tears or eye drops alone aren’t enough.

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How Meibomian Gland Expression Works

This simple, in-office procedure helps unclog the glands and restore healthy oil flow. Before the procedure, we apply numbing eye drops to minimize any discomfort. Once the area is fully prepared, we use a gentle tool to apply light pressure to the eyelids, encouraging the blocked oils to release.

The entire process takes just a few minutes per eye and is typically performed after IPL and RF treatment, when the oils have been softened and are easier to express.

When Is Gland Expression Recommended?

Meibomian gland expression is most often recommended for patients with moderate to severe evaporative dry eye. If your dry eye evaluation reveals blocked glands or signs of meibomian gland dysfunction, expression may be part of your treatment plan.

Dr. Abdo Kattan typically includes gland expression as part of a comprehensive in-office protocol, paired with IPL and radiofrequency (RF), to maximize effectiveness. Together, these therapies help reduce inflammation, soften hardened oils, and clear the blockages that are often at the root of symptoms.

What to Expect After Meibomian Gland Expression

Most patients experience little to no downtime after meibomian gland expression.

You may feel slight sensitivity or pressure for a short time, but this typically resolves quickly.

Many patients begin to feel improvement in their comfort and clarity within days to weeks.

For best results, expression is often completed as part of a 4-session treatment plan with regular monitoring.

Book a Dry Eye Evaluation »

If your eyes feel dry, heavy, or irritated, and drops just aren’t cutting it, it could be time to address the root of the problem. Book your dry eye evaluation with our dry eye doctor in Edmonton and find out if meibomian gland expression is the right next step.

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