Tag: Lipiflow

How Do I Treat My Dry Eyes?

Have you been suffering from chronic Dry Eye? Maybe you spend a lot of time behind a computer at work, school, or even at home. If your dry eyes have been causing a problem, you’re probably wondering how you can treat them on your own. In some cases you can get temporary relief from Dry Eye symptoms over the counter, but in other cases a prescribed drop or procedure maybe needed.

Below are a few types of treatments for your chronic Dry Eye:

When you are first diagnosed with Dry Eye, your eye care professional will have you try different treatments, depending on the severity of your Dry Eye. Below are a few treatments you may encounter after diagnosis.

Over the counter drops:

These types of drops are found in your pharmacy and provide temporary relief for your dry eyes. They are helpful if you experience an occasional episode or two. If you have chronic Dry Eye it is likely you will have to continue using these drops multiple times a day, while also using other methods.

Prescribed Eye Drops or topical treatments:

If you continue to have difficulties with Dry Eye, your doctor may prescribe some drops for you to use regularly. These drops are often prescribed for those who have continued Dry Eye or have difficulty producing tears. If you have an issue with the lipid glands, topical creams or ointments may be suggested (such as testosterone cream). Prescribed eye drops and creams can often provide better relief than over the counter eye drops.

Lipiflow® Procedure:

For those who have difficulty with chronic Dry Eye related to a lipid deficiency, Lipiflow® may be a great treatment option for you. Lipiflow® is a painless 12-minute outpatient treatment that heats and massages the eye lids and glands that create the lipids. This action loosens and unclogs the glands, allowing lipid to be produced and excreted more effectively. While the procedure is relatively new, it has been extremely effective in providing relief for those who suffer from chronic Dry Eye that previously had no great treatment options.

Watch Jennifer, a Dry Eye sufferer for over 30 years, discuss how she finally found relief:

Finding Dry Eye Relief with LipiFlow

Thousands of people each year struggle with Dry Eye. Dry eyes are caused by a decrease in tear production or trouble blinking. Many have used over-the-counter drops or artificial tears to help them with some relief, however long-term treatment options for dry eyes was few and far between until LipiFlow.

What is Lipiflow?

LipiFlow is a treatment that opens and cleans out the Mebomian glands allowing them to produce clean lipids. LipiFlow uses a thermal pulsation system and applies controlled heat to the eyelids, warming the glands and liquefying the clogged oil.

Why use LipiFlow?

LipiFlow is a non-invasive procedure to help treat an underlying cause of Dry Eye. It uses new technology to clean and reopen your lipid glands. Other treatments such as over-the-counter drops and artificial tears only provide temporary relief but the LipiFlow treatment can provide a more lasting effect.

Symptoms of Dry Eye:

 Foreign body sensation
 Itching
 Burning
 Frequently watery eyes
 Frequent eye rubbing
 Red eyes
 Eye pain

About Dry Eye:

Dry Eye is a common condition that can cause pain and irritation of the eyes. It can also interrupt a patient’s life considerably.
Learn more about dry eyes with the LipiFlow treatment clink on the video below.

Experiencing Dry Eye Relief with LipiFlow®

Benefits Vs. Risk Factors

For those who suffer from Dry Eye, the notion that there is a treatment that works for them is something they seldom consider.

Often patients with Keratoconus find improved comfort in contact lenses if they had their dry eyes properly assessed and treated.

Most have grown tired of using warm compresses and artificial tears, with no hope in sight. Lipiflow® is bringing new hope to sufferers of Dry Eye everywhere. LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation System is a new treatment for MGD Dry Eye that is non-invasive and addresses the root of the problem, the glands, by cleaning out the clogged lipids and getting the glands to produce clean lipids on their own.

Below are a few benefits & risk factors for the new Lipiflow® system:

Risk Factors:

There are very few risk factors from the LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation System at this time. It is true that some people may not be a good candidate for the LipiFlow® System, and as with all procedures there are a few risk factors.

Red eye
Burning sensation
Sensitivity to light

These risks are very minimal and are typically experienced only for a short time after the procedure.

Benefits of LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System:

Helps Red Eye (related to Dry Eye)
Helps your body create clean and plentiful lipids
Short treatment length
Little to no discomfort
Faster Recovery time

The Lipiflow® Thermal Pulsation System’s benefits far out way its risks. Many Keratoconus patients are experiencing freedom from Dry Eye after years of suffering. Keratoconus and dry eye are treatable, talking to your eye care professional to determine candidacy is best.

Dr. Brian discusses the LipiFlow® treatment and how it is performed: