Home care
Warm compresses and lid hygiene help keep gland oil moving between visits.
Dry Eye & MGD Treatment
Meibomian Gland Expression in Encino
Dry-eye symptoms can have several causes. We examine your tear film and eyelid glands to determine whether meibomian gland dysfunction is contributing and whether gland expression or another treatment is appropriate.
Is It Time?
Signs that call for a dry-eye and gland evaluation
These symptoms can occur with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), but symptoms alone do not determine the treatment. The examination comes first.
- Burning, gritty, or sandy-feeling eyes that worsen through the day
- Blurry vision that briefly clears when you blink
- Artificial tears help for minutes, then the dryness returns
- Red, irritated eyelid margins or recurring styes and chalazia
- Crusting or foam along the lash line (often with blepharitis)
- Eyes that water excessively, which can have several causes
Persistent symptoms despite eye drops are a reason to reassess the cause. Low tear production, gland dysfunction, inflammation, and other eye-surface problems can occur together. Symptoms alone do not show whether gland expression will help.
Our Approach
Different treatments, different roles
Prescription care
Restasis, Cequa, or Xiidra may be used when tear-film or surface inflammation also needs treatment.
Gland expression
Used when the examination finds blocked glands. Treatment under magnification takes about 10–15 minutes per eye.
The examination checks eyelid margins, gland openings, oil quality, and tear film before choosing a plan. Expression is not an automatic next step for every person with dry-eye symptoms.
What to Expect
What a treatment visit looks like
- Consultation
Choose the right layer of care
Slit-lamp examination of your eyelid margins and gland openings, assessment of oil quality and tear film, and a check for look-alike causes determine whether home care, prescription treatment, expression, or another path fits the findings.
- Preparation
Warming the glands
Heat softens the thickened oil so it can move, the same principle as a warm compress, applied clinically and consistently.
- Treatment
Expression, about 10–15 minutes per eye
Controlled pressure along the lid margin under magnification helps release thickened oil from blocked glands. Expression can cause pressure or discomfort; tell the clinician if it hurts.
- Same day
Back to your routine
Temporary redness, irritation, or blurred vision can occur. Follow the instructions given at your visit and wait until your vision is clear and comfortable before driving.
- At home
Keeping the glands flowing
Your clinician may recommend warm compresses and lid hygiene as part of ongoing care. Follow the temperature, duration, and frequency advised for your eyes.
- Maintenance
A schedule that fits your glands
Relief and the need for repeat treatment vary. Follow-up checks your symptoms and gland function before deciding whether to repeat expression or adjust the treatment plan.
Outcomes
Realistic expectations
10–15 minper eye for the office procedure; visit length may vary
Variableduration of relief and need for repeat treatment
Exam firsttreatment depends on tear-film and eyelid findings
Gland expression may help selected patients with blocked glands, but it does not treat every cause of dry eye or restore glands that have been lost. Your response and any need for other treatment depend on the examination findings.
Insurance & Cost
Coverage and cost, before you book
Dry eye and MGD care is medical eye care, but coverage for gland expression varies considerably between plans. Contact our office before scheduling and our staff will help you verify your benefits and understand any out-of-pocket cost in advance.
Patient Experiences
From our patients
I was truly blown away by Dr. Hashemi and her staff. Dr. Hashemi took the time she needed to provide a complete and thorough exam. She did not let one thing slip by and even did further testing to make sure all was ok.
Tracee I appreciate the effort to make me comfortable and the will to actually make me better with the best treatment possible. I got to understand more on my eyes and am looking forward on the treatment Doctor has offered.
Deanna
Common Questions
Gland expression questions, answered
Does meibomian gland expression hurt?
Expression can cause pressure or discomfort. Warming the glands helps soften thickened oil before treatment. Tell the clinician if it hurts; temporary irritation or redness can occur afterward.
How long do the results last?
The amount and duration of relief vary. Other causes of dry eye may also need treatment. Your clinician will reassess symptoms and gland function to decide whether repeat expression or a different approach is appropriate.
I already do warm compresses. Why isn't that enough?
Persistent symptoms do not necessarily mean you need expression. An examination can check whether glands remain blocked and whether low tear production, inflammation, or another problem also needs care. Expression may be considered when the findings support it.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no single schedule for everyone. The number of sessions depends on gland findings, symptom response, and other treatments you may need. Your clinician will reassess before recommending further sessions.
Why do my eyes water if they're 'dry'?
An irritated eye surface can trigger reflex tearing, including when the tear film is unstable. Watery eyes can also have other causes, such as allergies or drainage problems. An examination helps determine the cause.
Is this covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. Contact our office and our staff will help you verify your benefits and understand any costs before treatment is scheduled.
Learn More
Read deeper in our education library
The medical facts on this page are drawn from our physician-reviewed patient education library.
Your Encino Visit
Directions and office details
Hashemi Eye Care is at 16542 Ventura Blvd #515, Encino, CA 91436. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.
Serving patients in Encino, Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Studio City, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, and the greater San Fernando Valley.
Open directions (opens in new tab) or review parking and access details before your visit.
Next Step
Find out what is causing your dry-eye symptoms.
Request a dry eye evaluation with Dr. Hashemi at our Encino office to review your symptoms, assess possible causes, and discuss a treatment plan. We see patients from across the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles.