Meibomian Gland Expression treatment

If your eyes feel dry,burningor 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: 

With mechanical meibomian gland expression, heat is not always required. This in-practice technique uses a specialist meibomian gland expressor tool to manually clear the glands and can be performed effectively without warming beforehand.

Many other forms of gland clearance, particularly home treatments or heat-based therapies such as disposable heat masks, USB iFlow masks or the Peep Club Wand, do involve warming to soften the oils first.

Your optometrist will advise whether heat would be beneficial in your specific case.

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.

Once treatment is complete, we’ll explain how to maintain results at home 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 can be especially helpful if your symptoms flare during screen use, driving, reading or in air-conditioned environments

It is particularly helpful for patients with meibomian gland dysfunction, a leading cause of evaporative dry eye. 

Book your dry eye assessment today

How BlefaCalm helps with blepharitis and 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 peoplebenefitfrom ongoing management, especially if MGD is long-standing.

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 £99, with a 20% discount available for MyLeightons members. Your treatment appointment includes: 

  • Targeted warming of the eyelids to soften blocked oils 
  • Professional Meibomian Gland Expression performed by a trained optometrist 
  • 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.
Find out if Gland Expression could help you
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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 patientsbenefitfrom maintenance treatments every few months.

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