heat and glands?

[Pinky]

I know that heat is used to open up the meibomian glands but does it also do the same for the lacrimal glands? I was interested to read in the the info about tranquil eyes published in Opthamolgy Times (?) that "heat loosens glands so that the cleaning process will be facilitated and the the gland will function better". Also it it mentioned the improtance of "using the thermopads immediately upon arising to begin tear production". I didn't know that heat could also stimulate tear production. This may explain why I have had so much relief from very warm baths. I know that warm compresses are usually recommended but sometimes I find that they can inflame my sensitive eyes. When the heat is more dispersed I seem to have better results.

[Rebecca Petris]

I know that heat is used to open up the meibomian glands but does it also do the same for the lacrimal glands? I was interested to read in the the info about tranquil eyes published in Opthamolgy Times (?) that "heat loosens glands so that the cleaning process will be facilitated and the the gland will function better".

I think that this comment was in the context of MGD and was referring to meibomian glands not lacrimal glands.

[Pinky]

heat and tear production

Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I thought the "loosening the gland" sentence referred to the meibomian glands but I was curious about the recomendation to put the goggles on first thing in the morning "to start tear production." In a reply to one of my posts, Dr. Latkany wrote that heat can also loosen up the ducts of the lacrimal glands if they are clogged. Currently I'm doing some research regarding the heat lacrimal gland connection. I'll post if I find anything interesting.

[Judy]

Hello Pinky,

I'd love to hear anything you discover in researching the heat lacrimal gland connection. My left lacrimal duct is totally shut down. I may investigate this as well and will be sure to share if I find anything out as well...