A Patient's Guide to Treating Meibomitis
Meibomitis, also known as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), is a common cause of dry, irritated eyes. The Meibomian glands in your eyelid margins produce an oily layer that protects your tears. When these glands become blocked, the quality of your tear film deteriorates. This daily routine helps to restore the proper function of these glands.
Your Daily Treatment Plan: A Simple 2-Step Routine
Perform the following two steps once a day, preferably in the evening before going to bed. Consistency is the key to success.
Apply Warmth & Massage Eyelids
Why this works: The heat helps to soften and liquefy the hardened oils blocking the glands, making them easier to express through massage.
What you need:
A warm compress or eye mask. You can use a special gel pack from Kruidvat or a similar eye mask.
Instructions:
- Heat the gel mask for approximately 30 seconds in the microwave (always follow the instructions on the packaging).
- Place the warm mask on your closed eyelids for 4 minutes.
- Immediately after applying heat, gently massage your eyelids to express the liquefied oil from the glands.
Video Instructions (Massage):
Eyelid Hygiene
Why this works: After the massage, it's important to clean the eyelid margins. This removes the expressed oils, skin debris, and bacteria that can block the glands.
What you need (choose one option):
- Option A: Specialised eyelid cleansing wipes.
- Option B: A homemade solution with a drop of baby shampoo in a glass of lukewarm water, applied with a cotton swab or a clean washcloth.
Instructions:
Gently clean the margins of your upper and lower eyelids, right at the base of the eyelashes. Make sure to remove any crusts or debris.
Video Instructions (Eyelid Hygiene):
Important Tips for the Best Results
- Frequency: Initially, perform this routine every day, preferably before bedtime.
- Treatment Duration: Consistently perform this routine every day for a minimum of 4 weeks. It takes time for the Meibomian glands to recover and for the quality of your tear film to improve.
- Tapering Off: If you notice a clear improvement after 4 weeks, you can slowly reduce the frequency based on your symptoms. For example, try performing the routine every other day, then every three days, and perhaps eventually once a week. If symptoms return, increase the frequency again.
- Be gentle: Do not apply hard pressure when massaging or cleaning.
- Contact us: If symptoms worsen, persist, or if you experience pain, please contact us.
Still Have Questions?
Do not hesitate to contact us if you are unsure about the instructions or if your symptoms are not improving. We are here to help.
Book a Follow-Up Appointment