An apparatus for treating mammalian meibomian glands is disclosed. In one example, the apparatus includes a device capable of applying regulated heat from a regulated heat source to an eyelid. The device is arranged to apply and maintain the regulated heat to an eyelid containing the meibomian glands that reaches a temperature adequate to melt obstructions within the meibomian gland channel of the meibomian glands and place the obstructions in a melted state. The device is further arranged to mechanically treat one or more of the meibomian glands by expressing melted obstructions from within the meibomian gland channel through the meibomian gland orifice, wherein the mechanical treating is carried out either during the time period or after the time period but while the obstruction remains in the melted state.
