We all might suffer from dry eyes here and there, whether it be due to allergies or changes in the weather. However, Dry Eye Disease (DED) isn’t just a mild irritation; for many, it can be life-altering, causing constant discomfort and impacting daily activities.
When traditional treatments fall short, Meibomian Gland Probing (MGP) is a breakthrough solution. Designed for individuals with persistent dry eye symptoms, MGP targets the root cause, providing relief where other treatments fail. This not meibomian gland expression, it is more effective and really targets scar tissue.
Read on to find out more about this revolutionary treatment, and the experts in the UK.
What is Meibomian Gland Probing?
Dry eye disease is more than a minor inconvenience – it can be debilitating. Meibomian Gland Probing (MGP) is a breakthrough therapy designed for those struggling with persistent DED symptoms.
When you feel you have tried all the available treatments for dry eyes, but none of them seem to work, Meibomian Gland Probing is an excellent option for patients seeking a breakthrough.
Who would benefit from MG Probing?
For those suffering with chronic dry eyes, the following symptoms can be difficult to deal with:
- Burning
- Stinging
- Light sensitivity
- Redness
- Vascularization
- Foreign body sensation
- Contact lens discomfort
- Eye pain
- Lid tenderness
- Watery eyes
- Post LASIK or Cataract surgery discomfort
If you suffer these dry eye symptoms and are looking for advanced dry eye relief after exhausting all options, MG Probing might be the solution for you. We have treated many patient who have undertaken IPL elsewhere to little effect, by adding the MGP with our IPL protocol the success rate has been much higher. We also offer Amniotic membrane contact lenses for sensitive cornea.
Learn more about dry eyes here.
Causes and risk factors of dry eyes
Causes of dry eyes include factors like ageing, hormonal changes, environmental conditions, and extended screen time contribute to DED. A key contributor is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), which compromises tear quality by blocking oil secretion.
Excessive makeup-wear can also cause dry eyes, especially excessive use of waterproof eye makeup, which can block your glands. Women also suffer from dry eyes more than men due to hormonal changes, especially during menopause.
How does Meibomian Gland Probing work?
Meibomian glands and tiny ducts located in the eyelids that produce meibum, an oily substance critical for preventing tear evaporation. When these glands are blocked, it can lead to inflammation, over a period of time, it can develop into DED.
MGP uses a fine wire probe to clear blockages in the Meibomian glands, restoring their natural function. Each eyelid contains around 20-25 glands, and probing all of them maximises results.
The procedure involves sterile, precise instruments, including probes of varying lengths (typically 2mm to 4mm), ensuring thorough treatment. By breaking scar tissue, probing reopens pathways for oil secretion, improving tear film stability and eye comfort.
How long does the MG Probing procedure take?
Although the probing session itself only takes about 30 minutes, our experts typically allocate 60-90 minutes for the entire appointment. This allows us to address any questions you may have before or after the treatment and to perform a numbing technique prior to the procedure.
Additionally, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and LLLT (Low-Level Light Therapy) are often used in combination with the treatment to enhance effectiveness. The session concludes with gland expression for optimal results.
It’s important to note that further IPL sessions will be required afterward for sustained benefits.
Is Gland Probing the same as Expression treatment?
No, gland expression and probing are two very different processes. Expression involves applying pressure to the glands to encourage the release of oils. However, if the glands are clogged, scarred, or otherwise blocked, no oil will be able to come out, no matter how much pressure is applied. In fact, applying pressure on blocked glands can do more harm.
Probing, on the other hand, is a more intensive and targeted procedure. It can be thought of as “pipe cleaning” for the glands. During probing, a fine instrument is used to physically clear blockages and break through any scar tissue that may be obstructing the gland’s natural oil flow. This process restores the gland’s ability to function properly, unlike simple expression, which cannot address deeper issues such as scarring or hardened blockages.
Is MGP a painful procedure?
MGP is considered a minimally invasive procedure and is performed under local anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Most patients describe the sensation as mild discomfort rather than outright pain.
The anaesthesia helps to numb the area, making the procedure well-tolerated for the majority of individuals. While some sensitivity may be experienced, it is generally not severe and is manageable for most patients.
How can I ensure the dry eye treatment is effective?
The most effective approach to treating dry eye is combining Gland Probing with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. While either treatment can yield good results individually, using them together provides the best outcomes, as dry eye often has multiple underlying causes.
Unlike many opticians who only provide limited advice without offering treatment options, we offer advanced therapeutic solutions. Some clinics may use IPL, but their devices might not be FDA-approved like the Lumenis system we use.
Also, other devices are often limited in the areas they can treat, such as avoiding the under-eye region. However, we can perform IPL over the entire face, allowing us to reduce inflammation more comprehensively and enhance treatment effectiveness.
Can MG Probing cure dry eyes permanently?
Meibomian Gland Probing is a highly effective treatment for managing chronic dry eye symptoms, but it isn’t considered a permanent “cure” for dry eyes. Dry eye disease often results from a combination of factors, including age, hormonal changes, environmental conditions, and lifestyle habits.
While MGP addresses a major underlying cause – blocked or scarred Meibomian glands – it doesn’t eliminate all potential contributors to dry eye. MGP can significantly improve gland function by clearing blockages and restoring oil flow to the tear film, providing long-lasting relief for many patients.
However, maintenance treatments and lifestyle adjustments may be necessary to sustain results. As mentioned earlier, combining MGP with therapies like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) can enhance outcomes and help manage inflammation.
Ongoing care, such as using artificial tears or eye drops for dry eyes, maintaining good eyelid hygiene, and addressing environmental factors, is also essential for long-term success.
Who can carry out this specialist dry eye treatment?
Currently, this is a very specialised procedure that requires technique, skill and extensive training. This procedure can significantly improve the quality of life of those who suffer with dry eyes. At the moment, only around 5 professionals in the UK can carry out this procedure, including Ms Anila Mistry and Mr Sachin Patel at Safarian & Simon.
With over 20 years of working together in practice, their extensive expertise is evident in their exceptional quality of care and meticulous attention to detail. Both optometrists are BUPA-assured for eye examinations, ensuring a high standard of service.
They also collaborate closely with a network of trusted ophthalmologists, enabling seamless referrals for any further opinions or specialised care when needed.
Choose the best optometrist in London
With over 700 five-star Google reviews, this Safarian & Simon is highly regarded for its personalised approach and commitment to patient care, making it the premier choice for all your eye care needs.
If you wish to transform your quality of life with specialised dry eye treatment, contact our friendly team today.
