Relieve Dry Eyes: Expert Tips for Cleaning Your Meibomian Glands
Hello!
I'm Dr. Kim Sun-young, an ophthalmologist with 16 years of experience. ^^
If you're reading this, it's likely because your meibomian glands are blocked, causing severe dry eye.
I've written about the cleaning methods I recommend to my patients, so please take a look! ^_^
At the end of this article, I've also included solutions for when at-home methods don't work, so please read until the end! ^_^
*Caution*
A little gruesome, right?
These are called Demodex mites.
One of the main causes of meibomian gland blockages is these mites.
If your meibomian glands are blocked and not producing clear oil, there's a high chance these mites are thriving.
If left untreated for a long time, it can lead to eyelid redness, itching, recurrent styes, eyelash loss, misdirected eyelashes, and other serious problems.
Therefore, the most important thing in cleaning the meibomian glands is 'Demodex mite removal'.
The first important step is 'exfoliating the eyelids'.
Many people don't thoroughly wash their eyelids when cleansing their face.
The eyelids are prone to accumulating dead skin cells, and if you don't cleanse this area thoroughly, the oil becomes blocked by the dead skin cells, leading to meibomian gland dysfunction.
This is what it looks like when the meibomian glands are blocked and oil isn't being released.
(The mites feed on these dead skin cells and thrive.)
In the photo above, do you see the cylindrical eye discharge?
That's 'Demodex excrement'..^^
If you often have this type of eye discharge when you wake up, there's a 99.9% chance you have Demodex mites.
The second method for treating meibomian gland dysfunction is using 'tea tree oil'.
There are many types of eye cleansers, but this is my favorite.
When patients with blocked meibomian glands come in, I thoroughly cleanse their eyes with this and show them before and after photos, highlighting the difference. ^^
Tea tree oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
Cleaning once isn't enough; you need to use it at least once a day for an extended period of 3 months.
The third method for treating meibomian gland dysfunction is using warm compresses!
The meibomian glands secrete oil, and when the temperature drops, the oil naturally solidifies.
Simply raising the temperature around your eyes can help melt the oil and promote smooth secretion.
Rubbing your palms together for 30 seconds and gently covering your eyes can help a little. ^^
And microwaving a wet towel and placing it over your eyes can also help, but...
While this can provide temporary relief, the heat doesn't penetrate deep enough into the meibomian glands.
You need to apply a warm compress at 40 degrees Celsius for at least 20 minutes.
To do this, you'll need to purchase an eyelid warmer or a dedicated eyelid compress pack.
You can find various devices on Coupang, so choose one you like.
(Don't buy anything too expensive; you'll probably only use it once or twice.. haha)
If you've tried all three of these methods and still experience red and inflamed eyelids, recurrent styes, persistent eye discharge, and itching...
Then you need to visit an ophthalmologist for specialized eyelid treatment.
Professional treatments include meibomian gland expression and IPL therapy.
Make sure to find a clinic that provides thorough and professional treatment.
(If the treatment isn't done properly, it may not be effective.)
I opened the first meibomian gland care clinic in Gangnam.
If you're curious about our meibomian gland treatment and dry eye relief methods,
please read the article below. ^^
I believe we're the only clinic in Gangnam that systematically offers all of these services. ^^
If you feel you need professional help,
you can make a reservation through the Place below.
We will carefully address each and every one of your concerns. ^_^
<Reservations & Directions>
This post was written directly in compliance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Law for the purpose of providing medical information.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/wpsjtltmals7/223984105424
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