Lipiflow Dry Eye Treatment
LipiFlow is an FDA-approved, noninvasive treatment specifically designed for patients who suffer from Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, or MGD, the leading cause of dry eye. Unlike artificial tears that provide temporary surface moisture, LipiFlow is designed to treat the underlying cause of evaporative dry eye.
Meibomian glands line the inside of our eyelids and are responsible for creating the oil layer of our tear film. When these glands become blocked or clogged, they cannot properly release these essential oils. As a result, the tear film lacks a crucial lipid layer, causing tears to evaporate faster than normal and leading to dry eye symptoms. This blockage is known as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, and if left untreated, it can become progressively worse.
The progression of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction as shown through LipiView images.
How Does LipiFlow Work?
LipiFlow uses a single-use, sterile activator to apply gentle, controlled warmth and soft, pulsating pressure directly to your eyelids. This combination safely liquefies and clears stubborn blockages inside the meibomian glands, allowing them to resume the natural flow of essential oils that help keep tears from evaporating too quickly.
Many patients compare LipiFlow to a relaxing, spa-like treatment and may experience relief shortly after treatment. However, not everyone will notice immediate symptom improvement. Some patients may continue to experience improvement over the following days or weeks.
You May Be an Excellent Candidate for LipiFlow If You Regularly Experience:
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction is one of the most common causes of dry eye. Our dry eye specialists can perform a series of simple tests to determine whether your dry eye symptoms may be caused by MGD. One of these tests is LipiView, a diagnostic system that provides an image of the condition of your meibomian glands.
To qualify for LipiFlow treatment, a patient must have enough functioning meibomian glands to treat. When MGD remains untreated, some patients experience meibomian gland dropout. This occurs when glands remain blocked for an extended period, causing them to atrophy and potentially lose function permanently. Even after treatment, it is important to continue ongoing MGD care with therapies recommended by your eye doctor, which may include artificial tears and warm compresses.
- Dryness, burning, or stinging in your eyes
- A sensation of grit, sand, or a foreign object in your eye
- Redness and irritation, especially after screen use or time spent in dry environments
- Fluctuating or blurry vision that temporarily improves when you blink
- Watery eyes, which can be a sign of poor-quality tears that evaporate too quickly
What to Expect During Treatment
- LipiFlow is a quick, comfortable, in-office procedure designed with your comfort in mind
- Most patients describe the sensation as a warm, soothing eyelid massage
- A treatment session for both eyes takes approximately 12 minutes
- There is no downtime, so you can resume normal daily activities immediately following your appointment
