My Dry Eyes
Meibomian Gland Probing
My Dry Eyes
Meibomian Gland Probing
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
For individuals suffering from dry eye syndrome, one common underlying cause is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands, located along the edges of the eyelids, are responsible for producing the oil (lipid) layer of the tear film that prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked or obstructed, the tear film becomes unstable, leading to dry, irritated eyes.
Meibomian gland probing is a specialised treatment that can help to unblock these glands, restoring proper tear film function and providing relief from chronic dry eye symptoms.
What is Meibomian Gland Probing?
Meibomian gland probing is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at opening blocked or dysfunctional meibomian glands. The procedure involves the use of a thin, sterile probe that is gently inserted into the tiny openings of the meibomian glands along the inner edges of the eyelids. This probing helps to clear obstructions, allowing the natural flow of oil to be restored, which in turn improves the quality of the tear film and reduces dry eye symptoms.
This technique was developed to target the mechanical blockages that can occur within the meibomian glands, which other treatments like warm compresses, lid scrubs, or medications might not fully address. Meibomian gland probing can provide significant relief, especially for patients who suffer from chronic MGD and have not responded to conventional therapies.
Meibomian gland probing is a method of clearing internally blocked meibomian glands which are causing dry eye. Clearing the blockage allows them to return to secreting oils. A very fine wire, called a probe, is inserted into the glands to manually unblock them.
Benefits of Meibomian Gland Probing?
For individuals with meibomian gland dysfunction, meibomian gland probing offers several important benefits. By physically clearing the blocked glands, probing helps to restore the normal secretion of oil into the tear film, improving its stability and reducing evaporation. Many patients experience immediate and long-term relief from symptoms like dryness, burning, itching, and a gritty sensation in the eyes after the procedure.
The procedure is quick, usually taking less than 30 minutes, and is performed in an ophthalmologist’s office with minimal discomfort. In many cases, the relief from dry eye symptoms can last for several months, and some patients may require only occasional repeat treatments.
FAQ's
A separate appointment will be required in which you will attend a full dry eye assessment for full diagnostics, this will help to determine the exact status of the glands in terms of blockage and atrophy.
On the day a special contact lens is placed in the eye over the cornea and a local anaesthetic is applied to the conjunctival sac and lower lid margin. The patient then closes their eyes for 10-15 minutes, after which they open their eyes, and another drop of anaesthetic solution is applied to the conjunctival sac. There is some mild burning when the anaesthetic is first applied, but it wears off within 30 seconds.
A 2mm or 4mm probe (depending on the length of the gland) is inserted into the gland. The probe is gently pushed through the gland, clearing any obstruction. Probing relieves fixed obstructions such as scar tissue or fibrosis. Resistance to the probe usually indicates fibrotic tissue blocking the gland and requires slightly more force to be used. Successful release of these fibroses causes a popping sound and the probe then passes freely through the gland.
Once the glands have been cleared, the eye is cleaned thoroughly with saline to remove any leftover anaesthetic. For the next few hours, you may need eye drops to help wash away any debris that comes out of the newly opened glands.
People who have symptomatic meibomian gland disease which does not respond to other treatments. MGP can partially restore gland patency and allow the gland to continue to secrete oil.
Anyone can have meibomian gland probing. Those who benefit most are those who have internal blockages. In addition to clearing gland blockages, the procedure also aids diagnoses, in that it can exclude the presence of blockages
Many patients only need one session while others may need repeat probing, either for glands which couldn’t be unblocked the first time, or if glands become re-obstructed. With successful initial probing, repeat probing is not usually needed for at least seven months, and often more.
Most patients some degree of improvement. It is important to remember that patients who have probing often have very advanced disease with significant gland loss. Probing can help to slow further gland loss, and in some cases, some glands can recover a small amount. Patients with advanced dry Due to the disease being so advanced, probing patients have some improvement but don’t have a complete recovery.
Although probing is often reserved for moderate to severe disease, it can also be beneficial for those with mild disease to prevent progression. This can be discussed in detail at your appointment.
If the right protocols are followed, meibomian gland probing is a safe procedure.
Your procedure will be carried out by a specialist Optometrist with considerable expertise in dry eye and MGP.
Meibomian gland probing usually gives relief from discomfort within a few days, if it is successful. However, re-growth of the glands is more gradual.
