Blocked eye glands are a common condition that can cause discomfort and affect vision. These glands, located within the eyelids, produce an oily substance that is a component of the tear film, keeping eyes lubricated. When obstructed, they can lead to various symptoms. Fortunately, at-home remedies and professional treatments can help manage this issue.
What Causes Blocked Eye Glands
The main cause of blocked eye glands is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), a condition where the oil-secreting glands in the eyelids do not function properly. These meibomian glands produce an oily layer, called meibum, which prevents the watery part of tears from evaporating too quickly. When blocked, the meibum can become thick and viscous, leading to insufficient oil on the eye surface. Obstruction can result from factors like aging, hormonal changes, and excessive screen time that reduces blinking frequency.
Other contributing factors include chronic blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids linked to bacterial overgrowth or skin conditions like rosacea and dandruff. Makeup use, especially eyeliner applied to the inner eyelid margin, can also obstruct gland openings if not removed thoroughly. Certain systemic conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, high cholesterol, and some medications, can also influence gland function and contribute to blockages.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Blocked eye glands can manifest through several noticeable symptoms. Individuals may experience a gritty or foreign body sensation, dryness, burning, and itching, reflecting a disrupted tear film.
The eyes may appear red or feel sore, and eyelids can be swollen or sticky, particularly in the morning. Blurry vision that intermittently clears with blinking can occur due to an unstable tear film. Persistent blockages can lead to a stye, a painful, infected lump on the eyelid, or a chalazion, a non-tender cyst that develops when a gland remains blocked and inflamed.
Effective At-Home Remedies
Applying warm compresses is an at-home remedy for blocked eye glands. The warmth helps to soften and melt the thickened meibum (oil) within the glands, making it easier for it to flow out. Apply a clean washcloth, warmed with hot water, to closed eyelids for five to ten minutes, two to four times a day during symptom flare-ups. Reusable eye masks can also maintain a consistent temperature.
Following the warm compress, gently massaging the eyelids can help express the softened oil from the glands. For the upper lid, use a clean finger to roll or push downwards towards the lash line, and for the lower lid, massage upwards towards the lash line.
Eyelid hygiene involves regular, gentle cleansing of the eyelid margins. This can be done using a baby shampoo solution or specialized over-the-counter eyelid cleansers. Gently scrub along the base of the eyelashes to remove debris and excess oil. Consistent daily cleansing, especially after makeup removal, helps prevent future blockages.
When to See a Doctor
If symptoms persist or worsen despite consistent home remedies for several weeks, consult an eye care specialist. This includes ongoing discomfort, redness, or a gritty sensation.
Seek professional evaluation for severe eye pain, sudden changes in vision, or increased light sensitivity. If signs of infection develop, such as pus discharge, swelling, or fever, seek medical attention. A stye or chalazion that does not resolve with home treatment or continues to grow also warrants a doctor’s visit.
Clinical Treatments
When home care is insufficient, eye care specialists offer various clinical treatments to unblock eye glands and manage underlying conditions. Prescription eye drops, such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory agents, may address bacterial overgrowth or inflammation contributing to blockages.
In-office procedures provide direct methods for clearing blockages. Thermal pulsation systems, such as LipiFlow, apply controlled heat and gentle massage to the eyelids to express hardened meibum from the glands. This aims to restore natural oil flow. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy uses specific wavelengths of light applied to the skin around the eyes to reduce inflammation and stimulate gland function.
Manual gland expression, performed by an eye care professional, involves using specialized tools to apply pressure to the eyelids and physically squeeze out the contents of the blocked glands. Other in-office treatments include devices like Blephex, which exfoliates the eyelid margins to remove debris, and MiBoFlo or TearCare, which use targeted heat to liquefy gland secretions.