Clogged Tear Glands

I recently had an eye exam and was told my glands on the edge of my eye lids are clogged.  This is the same feedback I received in a previous exam 2 years ago.  If I rub my eye lids it clears the glands, but the secretions get on my eye which become blurred until my tears wash it off.  This also happens by itself (without rubbing) giving me blurred vision on occassion.  Both doctors stated there isn't any medication or drops for this.  I was told that I should clean my eye lids on a regular basis as the clogging could be due to baterial growth.  They also said warm compresses would help as well.  Is it true this is the only treatment?  Warm compresses are only temporary.  Also, it seams this issue has become a problem only in the last few years as I am getting older (47).  I can't believe it is caused by dirty eye lids considering I shower each day and never had this issue when I was younger.  Any ideas?

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

Your eyelids are not "dirty."  Clogged oil glands are very common and unfortunately there is no "cure" for them.  There are treatments available in addition to the warm compresses and lid scrubbing that you've been doing and involve eye drops and possibly one of a couple of new procedures that have recently been developed.  You need to see a competent ophthalmologists/eye MD who is familiar with these treatments to see if you may benefit.

HV