CARE^MD

Expression of the Glands

Unlock the root cause of your symptoms. Manual gland expression is the essential clinical step to restore the quality of your tears, thus optimizing the results of your treatments with IPL, photobiomodulation or JETT Plasma.

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Why are your eyes always dry? Understanding Gland Blockage (DGM)

If You Suffer From Burning Sensations Or of Fluctuating vision, the cause is probably the Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (DGM).

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These glands produce the essential oil that keeps your tears from evaporating. When they get stuck, the drops only mask the problem.

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Manual Expression Target these blockages directly. This is the crucial step after treatments likeIPL Or the JETT Plasma, which prepares the glands by liquefying obstructions.

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A Precise Clinical Process for Maximum Relief

1. Preparation and Stimulation

We often start with an advanced treatment (IPL, Photobiomodulation) to heat and liquefy the solidified oils in the glands.

2. Targeted Expression

Once the oils have been liquefied, the specialist applies precise and controlled manual pressure to remove the blockages and 'empty' the clogged glands.

3. Cleansing and Relief

Debris is removed. Many patients experience immediate improvements in comfort and lubrication.

4. Analysis and Maintenance

We analyze the quality of expression and create a personalized plan to maintain the health of your glands in the long term.

An Effective Solution for Various Forms of Dry Eye

Expressing the glands manually is especially recommended if you have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions:

MGD

Chalazions and Styes

Ocular rosacea

Dry eye

Accutane Induced Eye Dryness

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Sjogren's Syndrome

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Blepharitis

Your Clinic Visit: Comfort, Clarity and Expertise

The Preparation

Please avoid wearing eye makeup on the day of your treatment. If you are undergoing an IPL or other treatment, we will guide you as soon as you arrive.

The Treatment

The expression phase lasts approximately 10-20 minutes. A slight discomfort or a feeling of pressure may be felt, but our team ensures your comfort throughout the procedure (numbing drops may be used).

After the session

Your vision may be temporarily blurred right after the expression due to the oils released. This is normal and beneficial. You will be able to return to your normal activities immediately.

The Standard Protocol

The expression is often done in conjunction with your follow-up treatments (e.g. after each IPL session). The frequency will be determined by your specialist according to the severity of your condition.

Appliances used Approved by Health Canada.

Clinical procedures and sterilization in accordance with national standards.

Expression always performed by the Optometrist

THE CARE EXPERIENCE

In addition to treatments, we offer care based on listening and empathy. Each patient is unique, and our greatest satisfaction is to give you back the comfort of life you thought you had lost.

An approach appreciated by our patients. Rated 5.0/5 on Google.

Recover Your Quality of Life Thanks to a Clear and Comfortable Vision

Target the Root Cause : Deals with the blockage directly, not just the symptoms.

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Lasting Relief : Improves the stability of tears for weeks or months.

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Optimize Other Treatments : Significantly increases the effectiveness of IPL and photobiomodulation.

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Prevention : Helps prevent irreversible gland atrophy.

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Meet Our Dry Eye Optometrists

Dre. Francesca Olinga

Optometrist

An optometrist and founder of the CARE Clinic, Dr. Francesca Olinga understands dry eye because she has experienced it. Experienced in the management of complex cases (neuropathic pain, demodex, chalazions), she uses innovation and attentive listening to guide you toward improved eye comfort.

Dr. Trang Nguyen

Optometrist

Optometrist with over 30 years of experience and speaker for eye care professionals. Dr. Nguyen has experience in improving visual quality affected by dry eye. She supports her patients in reconciling their aesthetic goals (makeup, cosmetics) and optimal eye comfort.

FAQS

Why is expression necessary if I am already receiving treatments like IPL or JETT Plasma?

It is an essential step for optimal results. Treatments like IPL or JETT Plasma are great for reducing inflammation and liquefying solidified oils (imagine hardened butter) inside the glands. However, if this liquefied content is not physically removed, it remains in the gland and the benefits of the initial treatment are limited. The manual expression “cleans” the gland to allow the production of new healthy oils.

Can I perform gland expression myself at home?

We strongly discourage home expression. The meibomian glands are extremely delicate. Excessive pressure, misdirected, or performed without sterile equipment can cause trauma, increase inflammation, or even permanently damage the glands. Clinical expression is a precise procedure performed by an optometrist.

How often should expression be done?

The frequency depends on the severity of your Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Generally, the expression is performed immediately after each session of your main treatment (for example, after each IPL session during an initial treatment) to ensure complete cleaning.

Is manual gland expression painful?

This is the most common concern. Let's be transparent: the procedure can cause temporary discomfort or a feeling of intense pressure as the glands are unblocked. However, we take steps to maximize your comfort, such as applying heat beforehand (via IPL, JETT Plasma, or Photobiomodulation) to liquefy oils, and using anesthetic drops if necessary. The relief experienced after the procedure more than compensates for the momentary discomfort.

Take the first step to comfort

Ready to Treat the Root Cause of Your Dry Eye?

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