Your eyes are more complex than you may think, and the tear film plays an important role in keeping them protected. However, that doesn’t mean that your tears are always going to function properly; sometimes, the glands producing your tears can become blocked, which can result in a variety of burning sensations. So how can you unblock these glands yourself?
Nutrition and diet go a long way—your eyes need a complex mix of vitamins to create healthy tears. Try to maintain proper eyelid hygiene and prevent the buildup of bacteria, and if you notice discomfort, use a warm compress to find relief. If, after these steps, you’re still experiencing discomfort, visit your optometrist to discuss a more advanced approach.
What Are the Meibomian Glands?
Inside the eyelids, you have dozens of tiny little glands called meibomian glands. These glands are responsible for producing an oily substance called meibum that your eyes use for your tears. Every time you blink, these glands send meibum through to the tear film to keep your tears protected.
This oil lines the outer layer of the tear film, keeping the surface smooth and clear, while preventing other components of the tear from evaporating. This oil is an essential part of your tear film—without it, your tears evaporate and leave the eye exposed.
However, the meibomian glands can sometimes become blocked. In such cases, oils may not flow entirely to the tear film, but instead may solidify and obstruct the glands. When this occurs, it’s called meibomian gland dysfunction.
The Signs of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
When oils can’t reach your tear film, your tears are no longer protected. This means that your tears may evaporate too quickly. As a result, you’ll likely begin to notice burning and stinging sensations—almost as though there’s a small piece of debris trapped under the eyelid rubbing against your cornea. You also may experience:
- Dry, itchy eyes
- Gritty feelings
- Redness and swelling
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
These symptoms may vary in intensity, but they all point to a problem with your meibomian glands. This isn’t just about temporary discomfort; if you leave this problem unaddressed, you may be putting yourself at risk of permanent damage to your vision. As such, these symptoms are a sign that it’s time to take action.
Can You Unblock Meibomian Glands at Home?
Finding relief from blocked oil glands may be simpler than you think. First, try to consider what could be causing your symptoms—your lifestyle plays an important role in your overall eye health.
Nutrition & Eye Health
Diet and nutrition are often overlooked when it comes to your eye health, but they’re also a common cause of plenty of different eye problems. Your eyes are complex, and they require a careful mix of vitamins and nutrients to create healthy tears. If you don’t follow a healthy diet, you’re much more likely to experience problems with your vision.
Eyelid Hygiene
Hygiene is equally important here. If you don’t regularly wash your face and clean your eyelids, the oil glands can become blocked with sweat, dirt, and bacteria.
To avoid meibomian gland blockage, try to make a point of cleaning your eyelids every time you wash your face. If you wear makeup, rinse it off before bed.
Finding Relief from Dry Eyes
Unfortunately, the meibomian glands can become blocked even if you’re being careful. If you start to notice the tell-tale dry and burning sensations of meibomian gland dysfunction, you can use artificial tears or eye drops to supplement your tear film.
Warm compresses can make a significant difference as well. Using them for a few minutes at a time throughout the day can help you find relief by warming the oil blockages, which may break them up and encourage a healthy flow of oils to the tear film. You can use compresses whenever you experience a flare-up in your symptoms; they’re an excellent way to find quick relief.
The above tips can sometimes be all you need to unblock your oil glands. However, if your symptoms persist, it’s time to talk to a professional.
When to Talk to an Optometrist
Home remedies can be effective, but they aren’t always the answer. If your symptoms are stubborn, visit your optometrist to discuss dry eye therapy.
Dry eye therapy aims to address the underlying cause of your blocked meibomian glands while also helping you find quick relief from your symptoms. Through a combination of in-office treatments and at-home lifestyle changes, your optometrist can create a customized treatment plan designed to help you enjoy clear and comfortable vision.
Let Our Team Help
If you’re experiencing constant eye discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Pack & Bianes Optometry. There’s no need to deal with dry, burning eyes—not when relief is right around the corner. Book an appointment with us today, and let our team help you find relief!
