Methods for treating Blepharitis, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Dry Eye Syndrome include thermal massage, thermal debridement, and thermal expression. Particular embodiments include use of handheld devices that provide the thermal therapy to tissue by contacting a surface heated with thermal energy to a patient's tissue. Thermal energy can be continuously provided during operation. In particular embodiments, a handheld device comprises a base assembly operatively connected to a removeable thermal energy applicator. A wide range of thermal applicators may be connected to the base assembly to provide different treatments, including heat application, debridement, and expression of the treated tissue or gland.