06 Oct What is Intraductal Meibomian Gland Probing

Intraductal Meibomian Gland Probing is a treatment for Dry Eye Disease. The treatment clears obstructions in the meibomian glands, which is also very effective in treating meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). This procedure is performed in-office with only the use of topical anesthetic. The process is simple. Here’s what it includes:

Examination

Your optometrist will examine your eyelid margins and glands in order to determine the patency (opening) of orifice and status of the glands. During this process, your glands will also be palpated individually to check for tenderness (inflammation and obstruction).

Anesthetic

The anesthesia process is entirely painless. It involves a bandage contact lens being placed over the cornea, a drop of proparacaine 0.5% or tetracaine 0.5% solution, and a generous amount of jojoba ophthalmic anesthetic ointment applied to the lower lid margin. After this, the patient will close their eyes for 10-15 minutes. After this time has passed, another drop of the topical anesthetic is applied, the bandage contact lens is removed, and residual anesthetic is rinsed off the ocular surface.

Initial probing

Probing is done to open the glands. A 1mm length probe is used to do this first, depending on the requirement the doctor may choose a different length probe until desired patency is achieved.

Piercing Through Fibrotic Tissue

Throughout the procedure, there may be resistance due to the fibrotic tissue. If there is resistance, the probe will be checked to ensure that it is co-linear to the gland. Then, mild force will be used to get through this fibrotic tissue.

Medication/Cleaning

After the procedure, the doctor may choose to use anti-inflammatory or antibiotics depending on the patient. A tool might also be used to ensure that all residual fibrotic tissue/debris has been evacuated from the glands. Wipes will be used to clean the eyelids or skin around the eye at the very end of the procedure.

Does Intraductal Meibomian Gland Probing sound like something that can help you? If so, visit the professional optometrists and dry eye specialists at Dr. D’Orio Eyecare. Get the best treatment for your dry eyes. Call us today at either of our locations to book an appointment: Toronto location (416) 656-2020, North York location (416) 661-5555.