Practice makes perfect: meibomian gland expression

Some aspects of dry eye care are best learnt by getting hands-on.

At a recent Dry Eye Society wet lab in Melbourne, Dr Shaina Zheng led the meibomian gland expression station, helping other optometrists gain practical experience and confidence with this technique.

The meibomian glands are tiny oil-producing glands within our eyelids. These oils form an important part of our tears and help prevent them from evaporating too quickly.

In some people with dry eye disease, the oils can become thickened and the glands can become blocked or dysfunctional.

Meibomian gland expression is one technique that may be used in appropriate patients to help express blocked oils from the glands.

Shaina jokingly calls it “Dr Pimple Popper for the eyes” because there is something strangely satisfying about seeing those blocked oils being released!

But behind the fun description is an important clinical skill.

Leading the station gave Shaina the opportunity to share the techniques and experience she has developed in practice, while also exchanging ideas and learning alongside other optometrists passionate about dry eye care.

It reflects something that is important to our practice: continuing to learn, but also contributing back to the wider optometry community.

Ultimately, sharing knowledge helps more optometrists feel confident caring for dry eye patients and helps more people access better dry eye care, including right here on the Gold Coast.

Not every treatment is appropriate for every patient. Our approach starts with understanding the individual and what may be contributing to their dry eye.