Meibomian Gland Expression treatment

If your eyes feel dry, burning or watery, even when you are using eye drops, you may have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). This is one of the most common causes of dry eye in the UK. If you are searching for meibomian gland dysfunction treatment, our experienced optometrists are here to help.

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At Leightons, we offer Meibomian Gland Expression, a gentle in-practice treatment designed to unblock the tiny oil glands in your eyelids. By restoring healthy oil flow, we help stabilise your tears and improve long-term comfort.

What is Meibomian Gland Expression?

Your eyelids contain small oil-producing glands called meibomian glands. These glands create an oily layer that sits on top of your tears and prevents them from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked, thickened or inflamed, the oil cannot flow properly. This is known as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). 

Meibomian Gland Expression is a professional treatment that gently clears blocked oil glands in the eyelids. It is sometimes referred to as meibomian gland massage, but it is more precise and clinically controlled than home massage techniques.

By restoring gland function, we improve tear quality and reduce symptoms of evaporative dry eye.

What happens during your appointment? 

Before we recommend any treatment, we start with a dedicated dry eye assessment. This appointment is designed to identify the type and severity of your dry eye.

If the assessment shows that MGD is contributing to your dry eye, your optometrist will talk you through the most suitable next step. If Meibomian Gland Expression is recommended, you'll then book a separate appointment for the treatment itself. During this visit, you can expect:

Every Meibomian Gland Expression appointment begins with a Bruder moist heat mask, gently warmed to soften blocked oils before treatment. This helps make the treatment more comfortable and supports a better release of oil during expression.

Moist heat is considered more effective at softening blocked glands than dry heat alone, which is why we've made it part of every appointment.

Your optometrist will also show you how to position the mask correctly and the massage technique to use, so you can continue caring for your eyes safely at home.

Your optometrist uses a specialist meibomian gland expressor tool to apply careful, controlled pressure along the eyelid margins.

This encourages the glands to release trapped or thickened oils. The pressure is precise and brief, with your comfort always prioritised.

Once the glands have been expressed, the eyelid margins are gently cleared of any remaining debris.

This helps support optimal gland secretion and improves the overall health of the eyelid environment.

At the end of your appointment, you'll take your Bruder mask home with you, so you can continue the same warming routine between visits.

We'll also explain how to maintain results and whether further treatments may help, depending on your gland health and symptom severity.

Who is Meibomian Gland Expression suitable for?

This treatment may be recommended if your dry eye assessment shows signs of: 

  • Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) 
  • Evaporative dry eye 
  • Blocked oil glands 
  • Thickened gland oils 
  • Ongoing irritation that doesn’t improve with drops alone 

It's especially worth considering if your symptoms flare up during screen use, driving, reading or in air-conditioned environments, common triggers for meibomian gland dysfunction, one of the leading causes of evaporative dry eye.

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How Meibomian Gland Expression helps with dry eye

Unblocks clogged glands

Helps clear thickened oils so your glands can function properly again.

Improves tear stability

Restores the protective oil layer that slows tear evaporation.

Reduces dry eye symptoms

Less evaporation often means less burning, stinging and grittiness.

Supports long-term comfort

Many people benefit from ongoing management, especially if MGD is long-standing. Taking your Bruder mask home helps you keep up the routine between appointments.

Works alongside other treatments

Meibomian Gland Expression can be combined with other dry eye treatments.

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Why choose Leightons for eyelid care? 

At Leightons, we take the time to understand what's really behind your symptoms. Dry eye is rarely "one-size-fits-all", so we tailor recommendations based on the results of your assessment.

With Leightons, you’ll receive: 

  • Expert-led care from trained optometrists 
  • A clear, structured treatment plan 
  • Calm, reassuring guidance throughout 
  • Personalised aftercare advice to support results 
  • Independent recommendations focused on what your eyes need 

Our goal is simple: to help you feel comfortable, confident and able to get on with life. 

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MyLeightons member benefits
As a MyLeightons member, you’ll receive 20% off all eye therapy treatments and dry eye care products. Membership makes it easy to maintain the health and comfort of your eyes while enjoying savings and exclusive care benefits throughout the year.
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Cost of the Meibomian Gland Expression treatment

A Meibomian Gland Expression appointment is £120, with a 20% discount available for MyLeightons members. Your treatment appointment includes:

  • A Bruder moist heat mask, used to warm and soften blocked oils before treatment, and yours to keep for ongoing care at home
  • Professional Meibomian Gland Expression performed by a trained optometrist
  • Guidance on how to use your mask safely and effectively at home
  • Assessment of gland function during treatment
  • Personalised aftercare advice to support results

There are no hidden fees, just clear guidance and tailored support. 

Book your dry eye assessment today
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If dry eyes are affecting your daily life, there’s no need to put up with discomfort. Our experienced team is here to help you find lasting relief and restore comfort to your vision.
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Whether you need expert optical or hearing care, our friendly teams are here to help. With 37 branches across the South of England, finding your local Leightons is just a click away with our branch finder.

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FAQs

You may feel firm pressure during treatment, but it is brief and controlled. Most people tolerate it well.

Around 20–30 minutes, including preparation and review.

Some people notice improvement within days. Others feel relief straight away.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction is often ongoing. Some patients benefit from maintenance treatments every few months.

Eye drops treat symptoms. Meibomian Gland Expression addresses the underlying gland blockage causing evaporative dry eye.