LipiFlow is an effective one-time procedure that treats dry eye and alleviates irritating symptoms. This technique specifically addresses Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), which is when your tears do not contain sufficient oils for proper eye lubrication which results in chronic dry eye. The New Tampa and Trinity Eye Doctors use LipiFlow to treat Meibomian Gland Dysfunction to get your glands functioning normally for dry eye relief.
How Does Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Cause Dry Eye?
MGD affects the all-important tear film that protects your eye and provides the proper moisture. A normal tear film consists of water, oil, and mucus in the appropriate ratios. Your meibomian glands are in charge of the oil level and are located behind the eyelids. When they aren’t functioning properly due to a blockage, the balance of oil is off. This results in your tears breaking down and evaporating too quickly. Your eyes lose essential moisture, and you experience chronic dry eye symptoms like:
- Irritation
- Burning and pain
- Feeling as if there is something in your eye
- Crustiness
- Itching
- Redness
- Blurry vision
How Can LipiFlow Help?
If your chronic dry eye is caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, then LipiFlow can help remove the blockage preventing the glands from producing enough oils. This blockage is usually a waxy buildup that has presented a challenge to breakthroughs in the past. Techniques like warm compresses or massaging the eyelids don’t often yield great results, because they can’t reach the meibomian glands in the eyelid. This leads to a shallow treatment that doesn’t get to the root of the problem. LipiFlow does.
LipiFlow is the only MGD treatment that is FDA approved. This technique requires an Activator made up of an inner eyelid warmer and outer eye cup. Your optometrist will use this Activator to send a controlled amount of warmth into the inner eyelids where it actually reaches the meibomian glands and liquifies the waxy oil deposits. At the same time, the Activator massages the outer eyelids to dislodge the deposits. The combined strategy frees the meibomian glands to once again produce the healthy oils your eyes need to prevent dryness.
Tampa and New Port Richey Dry Eye Treatment
LipiFlow is a safe, comfortable, non-invasive, and successful dry eye treatment. A LipiFlow session takes only 12 minutes to restore your meibomian gland function. To see if LipiFlow can help your chronic dry eye, contact our New Tampa or Trinity eye clinics today! You can find long-lasting relief from True Eye Experts.
