LipiFlow Dry Eye Treatment
At Ensight Eyecare, we provide the latest in care for people who are suffering from symptoms caused by dry eye disease.
What is LipiFlow?
The TearScience® LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation System, more commonly known as LipiFlow, is a medical device used to treat meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). LipiFlow treatments are non-invasive, completely painless, and highly effective to treat meibomian gland dysfunction.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
The most common cause of dry eye disease is meibomian gland dysfunction, or MGD. The meibomian glands are small oil glands located in the upper and lower eyelids and secrete oil which coats the surface of the eyes and prevents moisture from evaporating. Water, oil, and mucin layers make up the tear film, and this tear film is what keeps the surface of the eye healthy.
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) occurs when the oil-producing meibomian glands are clogged and unable to create a healthy tear film to keep the eyes properly lubricated. Meibomian gland dysfunction is a very common condition and can cause dry eye syndrome or exacerbate symptoms of dry eye disease. In the early stages of MGD, there may not be many symptoms, but if the glands remain clogged, they are unable to secrete oil which can result in permanent changes to the tear film and dry eye syndrome.
Symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) include dryness, burning, itching, sensitivity to light, watery eyes, red eyes, the development of chalazion/styes, blurry vision, and eye crusting or stickiness.
If your dry eye disease diagnosis is due to meibomian gland dysfunction, then your doctor at Ensight Eyecare may recommend the LipiFlow Dry Eye treatment for you.
How does LipiFlow Work?
The LipiFlow® device provides vectored thermal pulsation to warm the meibomian glands through the inside of the lids and gently massages thickened meibum (lipid) and debris from the gland.
This system is cleared by the US FDA for the treatment of MGD and evaporative dry eye. With hundreds of patients successfully treated, LipiFlow® has proven to be safe and effective.
Some people describe the experience of receiving LipiFlow treatment as a “massage for the eyes”. The purpose of the massage is to relax and open the meibomian glands to expel obstructions as the blockages are warmed and liquified. The procedure takes 20 minutes or less and is completely painless, but in case of discomfort, the doctor will apply anesthetics in the form of eye drops.
After the removal of the gland obstructions, the meibomian glands can then produce the oils necessary to keep your eyes moist and healthy.
After LipiFlow Therapy
Some people notice an improvement in the symptoms of their dry eye within a few weeks, while others notice an improvement right away. You can typically resume daily activities immediately after the procedure.
Depending on the severity of your dry eye disease, you may need subsequent LipiFlow treatments in six months to a year after receiving the initial treatment in our office. The doctor at Ensight Eyecare will recommend the right treatment schedule for your specific case of dry eye disease to best meet your needs.