Home Heat Masks
Warm compresses that keep the oil glands flowing between visits.
In-Office Treatments / Gland Care
MGD Expressions
Meibomian gland expression is an in-office procedure in which a clinician applies gentle pressure to the eyelids to clear the oil glands and release the oils that keep your tear film stable. Here is how it is done, what it aims to do, and how to find a provider.
Key takeaways
- Meibomian gland expression applies pressure to the eyelids to express the glands and squeeze out the oils that thicken or block them in MGD.
- A clinician uses tiny forceps or paddle-like instruments to compress the lower and upper eyelids; it is not something you do at home.
- Successful expression helps improve the quality of oil the glands produce and can decrease dry eye symptoms.
- Most people need only a single session, though regular treatments can help, and your doctor can show you gland massage to do at home between visits.
Quick answer
What is meibomian gland expression?
It is an in-office procedure that clears the eyelid oil glands. The clinician applies pressure to the lids, often with a paddle-shaped instrument placed between the eye and the inner eyelid, parallel to the glands, while a finger or cotton tip presses from the outside. The goal is to release the thickened oil so healthy oil can reach the tear film again.
How it is done
Pressure on the lids, from the inside and the outside
The procedure for meibomian gland expression involves applying pressure to the eyelids to express the glands and squeeze out the oils. Dry eye specialists use tiny forceps or paddle-like instruments to compress the lower and upper eyelids. The eye doctor places a Mastrota paddle between the eye and the inner eyelid, parallel to the glands, then uses a finger or a cotton tip to apply pressure on the outer eyelid.
How effective it is
One session for most people, with regular treatments as an option
Successful meibomian gland expression is intended to improve the quality of the oil the glands produce, which is meant to ease dry eye symptoms. Patients usually need only a single session, but regular treatments can add benefit. Because the glands can thicken again over time, expression is often paired with a home routine of warm compresses and lid hygiene.
What to Expect
Expression is quick and done in the exam chair. Your provider may warm the lids first so the oil moves more easily.
- Where it is doneIn the office, by an eye care professional.
- What is usedTiny forceps or a paddle-like instrument, with finger or cotton-tip pressure from the outside.
- Number of sessionsUsually one; regular treatments can help if the glands block again.
- At home afterwardYour doctor can teach you gland massage as part of long-term MGD management.
The Home Care Expression Works Alongside
Eye Drops
Artificial tears for everyday comfort, whatever else your plan includes.
Lid Cleansers
Daily lid hygiene that supports a calmer lid margin.
Dry Eye Rescue Tip
Ask your doctor to show you home massage
Your eye doctor can tell you whether you need additional procedures, and can also show you how to do meibomian gland massage at home as part of long-term MGD management. Ask at your visit.
Find a Provider Who Offers MGD Expressions
MGD Expressions is available only through an eye care professional. Dry Eye Rescue works with a network of over 5,000 providers. Use the Doctor Locator to find one near you.
Related guides
More gland-focused options, or go back to the hub.
In office
MiBo Thermoflo Treatment
Continuous controlled heat and gentle massage on the outer lids to soften hardened gland oils.
Read the guide
In office
LipiFlow Treatment
A single-session thermal pulsation treatment that warms the glands from the inner lid while massaging the outer lid.
Read the guide
Cause
What Is MGD?
How the eyelid oil glands affect the tear film.
Read the guide
In office
Dry Eye Testing and In-Office Treatments
Every test and in-office treatment offered across our network.
Read the guideFrequently asked questions
What is meibomian gland expression?
An in-office procedure in which a clinician applies pressure to the eyelids to express the oil glands and squeeze out thickened oil, so healthier oil can reach the tear film.
How is it done?
Dry eye specialists use tiny forceps or paddle-like instruments to compress the lower and upper eyelids. A paddle is placed between the eye and the inner eyelid, parallel to the glands, while a finger or cotton tip applies pressure from the outside.
Does it help?
The aim is better-quality oil from the glands, which is meant to ease dry eye symptoms. How much it helps varies; your doctor will tell you what to expect.
How many sessions will I need?
Patients usually need only a single session, but regular treatments can add benefit. Your doctor sets the plan.
Can I do this at home?
Expression itself is done by a clinician. Your eye doctor can teach you meibomian gland massage to do at home as part of long-term MGD management.
Where can I get it?
Through an eye care professional. Use the Dry Eye Rescue Doctor Locator to find a provider near you.
This page is educational and does not replace medical advice from your eye care professional. The procedure described here is performed in an office by a licensed professional, individual results vary, and only a doctor can determine whether it is appropriate for you. Talk with your provider about intended use, candidacy and risks. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Dry Eye Rescue connects patients with independent eye care professionals who may offer this treatment and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any device manufacturer. Product and brand names referenced on this site are trademarks of their respective owners.
