TearCare treats meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) — the most common cause of evaporative dry eye — by warming the blocked oil (meibomian) glands in your eyelids and then clearing them. Unlike closed-eye devices, TearCare uses flexible SmartLid heating pads worn on the outside of the lids so you can blink naturally during the 15-minute warming phase, after which the clinician expresses the softened oils to unblock the glands. At our partner clinics in South England, TearCare costs from £450 per session for both eyes, all-inclusive of assessment, treatment, gland clearance and aftercare. Many patients with moderate MGD benefit from a short course for longer-lasting relief.
What is TearCare and MGD?
Tiny meibomian glands line the rims of your eyelids and secrete the oil (meibum) that stops your tears evaporating too quickly. In meibomian gland dysfunction, this oil thickens and the glands block — so the tear film breaks down and the eyes feel dry, gritty, burning, tired, or paradoxically watery. MGD is the underlying cause of the majority of dry eye cases.
TearCare tackles the blockage directly. Soft, wearable heating pads deliver precise, consistent warmth to soften the hardened meibum while you blink normally, helping the natural pumping action of the lids. The clinician then performs gland expression, gently clearing each gland so it can resume producing healthy oil. The result is a more stable tear film and lasting symptom relief.
Who is TearCare for?
- Evaporative dry eye driven by meibomian gland dysfunction
- People with gritty, burning, tired or watery eyes not controlled by drops alone
- Contact-lens wearers whose comfort has declined
- Those who want a drug-free, in-clinic treatment that addresses the cause, not just symptoms
- Patients with blepharitis-related gland blockage (often alongside lid-hygiene measures)
Tried every drop without lasting relief? A dry eye assessment measures your tear film and meibomian glands to confirm whether TearCare will help.
Book a dry eye assessmentTearCare pricing options
Pricing depends on whether you have a single treatment or a short course. Your clinician will recommend the right plan after assessing your glands.
Prefer a closed-eye device? Compare LipiFlow thermal pulsation. For drop-based options see Miebo dry eye drops, and for severe surface disease, amniotic membrane grafts.
What happens during a TearCare session
TearCare is comfortable, drug-free and needs no anaesthetic. You can drive and return to work straight afterwards.
- Your clinician assesses your tear film and glands and confirms TearCare is suitable.
- Flexible SmartLid heating pads are attached to your upper and lower lids.
- You blink normally for about 15 minutes while consistent warmth softens the blocked oils — your eyes stay open and comfortable.
- The clinician removes the pads and performs gland expression, gently clearing each gland.
- You receive an aftercare and lid-hygiene plan to keep the glands healthy.
Aftercare & results
There is no downtime. Symptom relief builds over the following weeks as the tear film stabilises.
Same day
Return to normal activities immediately. Eyes may feel a little different as the oil layer rebalances.
Weeks 1–4
Dryness, grittiness and watering typically ease as gland function improves. Follow your lid-hygiene plan.
Months 1–6
Many patients enjoy several months of improved comfort. A maintenance session may be advised as benefit fades.
Ongoing
Good daily lid hygiene and periodic reviews keep the glands clear and protect long-term tear-film health.
What's included in the price
TearCare pricing is all-inclusive — there are no hidden extras on top of your session.
- Single session: from £450 for both eyes, including assessment, treatment, gland clearance and aftercare.
- Course: from £795 for moderate MGD, with a progress review included.
- Combined plans: TearCare with IPL from £650, tailored to your needs.
- Finance: 0% options available on courses.
Explore all dry eye options on our prices hub and the wider treatments hub. If your dryness relates to blepharitis, ask about Xdemvy lid-mite drops; for very dry, sensitive corneas, scleral lenses can help.