LipiFlow an Innovative Treatment for Dry Eye Disease

You may occasionally feel frustrated by dry, scratchy, itchy eyes. After working on the computer for an extended period of time, these symptoms may also be joined by others, such as light sensitivity or blurred vision. If symptoms persist even with the use of artificial tears or rest, you may be one of millions who are affected by dry eye disease.
There are two primary types of dry eye disease, evaporative and dysfunctional. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, or MGD. Evaporative Dry Eye is at it sounds, tears do not remain on the surface of the eye as long as they should. This is usually due to an inadequate amount of oil in the biofilm that coats the eye. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction refers to a blockage in the glands that produce that oil. Clearly, MGD can lead to Evaporative Dry Eye. To resolve the issue, your eye doctor may recommend an innovative treatment, LipiFlow.
Appropriate Treatment for the Best Outcome
There are several ways to treat dry eye disease. Many people first try to improve comfort with artificial tears. The problem with this approach is that there is typically no guidance in terms of which product is best suited to the issue at hand. In order to achieve the desired outcome, which is comfort, artificial tears must have the right consistency and ingredients. Many have only a mild saline solution. Others contain additional substances that keep tears on the eye longer.
LipiFlow is not a form of artificial tears. It does not seek to address the symptoms of dry eye disease, but the cause.
How LipiFlow Works
LipiFlow is a Thermal Pulsation System, a treatment performed by a trained physician. The procedure focuses on the Meibomian glands of the eye that have come blocked. It does so with the application of controlled heat, delivered in conjunction with gentle pulses of pressure. This combination clears the glands so they may produce the oils necessary for optimal surface lubrication. The procedure is gentle to the tissues of the eye, and causes no discomfort. In fact, some have described it as a spa-like eye massage.
Is LipiFlow Right for You?
Clinical studies of this procedure demonstrate a 79% satisfaction rate within one month of treatment. The rate of improvement reported ranges from 10% – 100%.
To determine if you are a candidate for this treatment, schedule an examination at Shenandoah LASIK & Cataract Center.
Posted in: Dry Eye Care/Restasis