Feeling the Sting of Dry Eyes? Ask us About LipiFlow®
Dry Eye Disease is a common condition that occurs when your tears aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. Dry eyes feel uncomfortable, and your eyes may itch, sting or burn and become inflamed. Allergies that increase in the beautiful spring weather can add to the irritation. That’s why we think this is a good time to remind our patients that we offer a treatment known as LipiFlow® that, in many cases, comes to the rescue of dry eye sufferers.
Dry Eye Disease can be caused by a variety of reasons, but research suggests that Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a leading cause. MGD occurs when tiny Meibomian glands in our eyelids become clogged and unable to protect the tear film, which is the thin layer of fluid that covers the outer surface of the eye. This is where the LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation System comes in. LipiFlow is a breakthrough therapy designed to address the common problem of MGD.
How Do I Know if I Have MGD?
Anyone can get MGD, but some of us are more prone than others. Contact lens wearers are at higher risk, as are heavy users of electronic devices. Postmenopausal women are also at higher risk for MGD.
If you have been experiencing the discomfort of dry eyes, your Atlantic Eye ophthalmologist will evaluate your dry eye disease to determine if it is caused by MGD. If testing indicates you would benefit from LipiFlow, you can then take advantage of the treatment.
How Does LipiFlow Work?
LipiFlow uses an advanced technology called Vector Thermal Pulsation to send mild heat, along with gentle pressure, into the glands inside your lids. This combination of heat plus pressure massages any blockages and liquefies and clears the obstructions that are causing your symptoms.
The Lipiflow treatment process can be done in our Atlantic Eye office. The single, non-invasive treatment takes about 15 minutes, and afterward, you can see and drive normally.
Will the Treatment Effects Last?
MGD has traditionally been hard to treat, but the Lipiflow procedure offers sustained relief for dry eyes after just a single 15-minute treatment. Although many patients will see a change in symptoms right away, some may notice a more gradual improvement in less eyestrain, less eye fatigue, and greater, long-lasting comfort.