Blocked Oil Glands? How IPL Can Help Restore Tear Function

February 18th, 2026

If your eyes constantly feel dry, irritated, or watery, the problem may not be a lack of tears - it could be blocked oil glands. At Northwest Eye Center, we frequently see patients struggling with dry eye symptoms caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a common condition that interferes with healthy tear production. Fortunately, advanced treatments like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy can help restore proper tear function and bring lasting relief.

Understanding the Role of Oil Glands in Tear Health

Your tear film is made up of three essential layers: water, mucus, and oil. The oil layer, produced by the meibomian glands located along the edges of your eyelids, prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become clogged or inflamed, they cannot release enough oil. As a result, tears evaporate too fast, leaving the eyes dry, irritated, and uncomfortable.

Blocked oil glands can lead to symptoms such as burning, redness, blurry vision, light sensitivity, and even excessive tearing. Many patients are surprised to learn that watery eyes are often a sign of dry eye disease.

Why Do Oil Glands Become Blocked?

Several factors can contribute to meibomian gland dysfunction, including aging, hormonal changes, inflammation, rosacea, environmental stress, and poor eyelid hygiene. When the eyelids are not properly cleaned, debris, bacteria, and leftover makeup can accumulate along the lash line, increasing inflammation and contributing to gland blockage.

Over time, the oil inside the glands can thicken and harden, making it difficult to flow naturally. Without proper treatment and consistent lid hygiene, this blockage can become chronic and progressively worsen symptoms.

What Happens If Blocked Oil Glands Aren’t Treated?

When blocked oil glands are left untreated, symptoms often become progressively worse. What may begin as occasional dryness or mild irritation can develop into chronic discomfort that affects daily life.

As the glands remain clogged, the oil inside them can continue to thicken and harden. Over time, this can lead to gland atrophy, meaning the glands may shrink or permanently lose function.

Untreated blocked oil glands can also lead to:

• Chronic dry eye symptoms: Persistent burning, stinging, redness, and fluctuating vision.
• Increased inflammation: Ongoing irritation can create a cycle of inflammation that further worsens gland blockage.
• Frequent styes or chalazia: Blocked glands increase the risk of painful eyelid bumps caused by trapped oil and bacteria.
• Greater tear instability: Without a healthy oil layer, tears evaporate quickly, resulting in ongoing dryness and reflex tearing.

How IPL Therapy Works

Intense Pulsed Light therapy uses carefully controlled pulses of light applied to the skin around the eyes. This gentle, non-invasive treatment works in several important ways:

• It reduces inflammation that contributes to gland blockage
• It targets abnormal blood vessels that worsen irritation
• It helps liquefy hardened oils within the glands
• It improves overall gland function and tear stability

By restoring healthier oil flow, IPL therapy supports a more stable tear film and reduces evaporation. Many patients experience noticeable improvement after a series of treatments.

Prioritize Your Eyelid Health Today

Blocked oil glands are a leading cause of dry eye symptoms, but effective solutions are available. IPL therapy offers a safe, non-invasive way to restore healthier tear function by improving the performance of the meibomian glands. Rather than masking symptoms, this advanced treatment targets the source of the problem, helping patients achieve clearer, more comfortable vision.

If you’re struggling with dry, irritated eyes, it may be time to focus on your eyelid health. Schedule a consultation at Northwest Eye Center to assess your meibomian gland function and learn how treatments like IPL and proper eyelid hygiene can help restore comfort and protect your long-term eye health. Visit our office in Barrington, Crystal Lake, or Elgin, Illinois. Please call (847) 382-3640, (815) 455-4222, or (847) 888-2020 to book an appointment today.