How Often Should I Get MEIBOMIAN GLAND EXTRACTION When on ACCUTANE?

This is a veryyyy common occurrence. You're not alone. If and when a patient develops severe MEIBOMIAN GLAND DYSFUNCTION due to ACCUTANE, I've got an arsenal of procedures and eye care routines to help alleviate symptoms. One really valuable in office procedure is MEIBOMIAN GLAND EXTRACTION. Here I'll discuss what that is, why it's beneficial and how often my patients get this procedure?

Impact of ACCUTANE on Meibomian Glands

ACCUTANE reduces oil production throughout the body. Unfortunately, your eyelids aren’t exempt. With less lipid available, gland secretions thicken and stagnate. Over time, this deepens gland obstruction and worsens into an inflammatory condition called MEIBOMIAN GLAND DYSFUNCTION.

What Is MEIBOMIAN GLAND EXTRACTION

MGE is a procedure where a DRY EYE SPECIALIST OPTOMETRIST will use a special tool and numbing eye drops to physically squeeze out that sluggish oil. When the debris comes out, it seriously looks like cellentani pasta noodles!!! Very gross, but it does significantly reduce that gritty irritation. MGE does require an experienced hand. Prepping the eyelids properly is vital to a successful session. In addition, squeezing too hard can damage the meibomian glands. Definitely not something to try at home. 

Benefits of MEIBOMIAN GLAND EXTRACTION

MGE clears hardened oils and debris directly from each gland. Patients immediately experience blurry vision that clears up within 90 minutes (or so) to eyes that feel less gritty, less irritated, and less red. Tear film stabilizes. Vision becomes more consistent. 

Recommended Frequency for Extractions

With ACCUTANE, the sluggish, hardened oil keeps happening, which is normal. A very case by case thing, but in general with severe MGD cases due to ACCUTANE, this is my schedule:

1) Once a week for 4 weeks;

2) Once every 2 weeks for 3 months;

3) Once a month for about 3 months;

4) Once every 6 months, if needed.

I've had cases so bad where the patient would see me every other day for the first 2 weeks!  MGE frequency is very symptom driven, so don't be afraid to modify the schedule. 

Supporting Your Glands Between Visits

Extraction works best alongside a solid eye care routine that my patients do at home. Omega-3 oral supplements, preservative free artificial tears, prescription eye drops such as steroids / antibiotics / immunomodulators, etc. The great news about all this work is that it's a temporary situation. It's not forever. In the end my parents love their ACCUTANE results!