Will the meibomian glands become blocked again immediately after being cleared?

After unblocking the meibomian glands, they generally do not become blocked again immediately.

If the meibomian glands are congenitally underdeveloped, this may lead to accumulation of secretions or be influenced by significant hormonal fluctuations that affect hormone secretion, causing excessive oil production and gland blockage. This can result in symptoms such as dryness, burning sensation, foreign body sensation, and obstruction at the opening of the meibomian gland ducts. Once these conditions occur, timely treatment to unblock the glands is usually necessary. Since gland blockages typically develop from long-term accumulation of secretions, the glands generally do not re-block immediately after being cleared. However, if patients fail to maintain proper eye hygiene after treatment, recurrence may happen.

In general, after meibomian gland blockage occurs, mild cases often improve with about three unblocking sessions under a doctor's guidance. However, for more severe cases, approximately seven unblocking sessions—or even laser therapy—may be required to effectively alleviate dry eye symptoms.