LipiFlow for Dry Eye: Benefits, Limits and Availability

If you experience a sandy feeling in your eyes it could be a sign of eyes which can be quite bothersome to deal with. Lipiflow is a treatment option, for eye diseases that may not be as widely recognized or easily accessible compared to other treatments available. 

LipiFlow may be considered for selected patients with confirmed meibomian-gland dysfunction (MGD). A qualified clinician should first assess the cause of dry-eye symptoms because the procedure is not appropriate for every dry-eye type.

What is dry eye?

To understand dry eyes better, they occur when your eyes aren’t producing enough tears to provide lubrication for your eyes. Now that may raise questions about why tears are produced enough. Now, eyes can produce unstable and inadequate tears for many reasons. Often poor-quality tears lead to inflammation and damage of the eye’s surface.

People with dry eyes can understand the real pain. If you have them, you can not stand the stinging and burning sensation. Apart from some medical conditions, you may also experience dry eyes on an aeroplane, while riding a bike, in an AC room, or looking at a computer screen for a long time. 

Symptoms of dry eyes can be:

• Constant feeling of a stinging, burning, and scratchy sensation in eyes
• Stingy mucus around the eyes at all times
• Light sensitivity
• Red eyes
• The feeling of having something in your eye
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses and nighttime driving 

When should I see a doctor?

If neglected, dry eyes can be quite problematic in the future. So, getting treatments will make you more comfortable. You might require certain treatments or prescriptions and make lifestyle changes. In some cases, a patient may be required to take these measures lifetime to control the symptoms of dry eyes.

It is best to see a doctor if these symptoms remain prolonged and your eyes are always red, irritated, tired or painful. You can also request an appointment at Vision Concern if you have dry eyes.

What causes dry eyes?

Dry eyes happen when tears’ natural balance is teased. The three layers of tears; an oily layer, a watery layer, and a mucus layer work together to maintain your eyes’ health.

But a disruption in this balance can cause irritated eyes. A problem with this balance could mean you develop some troublesome eyes that might become dry or irritated. If there is a problem with any of these, dry eyes are normal.

The many causes of tear dysfunction include changes in hormones, inflamed eyelid glands, and allergic eye disease. Some individuals also develop this concerning inadequate tear production or excessive evaporation of tears.

Other common causes of dry eyes can be:

• Ageing (more common in people over 40, especially women)
• Wearing contact lenses for too long
• Smoking
• Watching TV or mobile for a long time

What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)?

We can blame Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) as one of the major causes of dry eyes. These tiny glands on the eyelids produce an oily substance called meibum. This oil forms a protective layer on your tears, preventing them from evaporating too quickly. When these glands aren't able to do their job properly, the eyes can become dry and irritated.

MGD blocks these glands and reduces oil production. Even after being blocked these glands still try to make oils. The oil is trapped in the glands and it makes the blockage worse. Then your eyes become dry, scratchy, and inflamed. For people who have rosacea and blepharitis, MGD can be harsh. 

How to manage MGD at home?

Warm compresses and massage at home should be helpful. Good hygiene of the eyelids also plays an equally important part. Place the clean, warm towel over your eyes for a couple of minutes. Doing this twice a day will help loosen blockages.

Lubricating drops and other management options may be considered depending on the cause and severity of symptoms. For confirmed MGD, a clinician may discuss thermal-pulsation treatment alongside other options.

What is LipiFlow?

LipiFlow is one clinic-based thermal-pulsation option used for selected cases of MGD-related evaporative dry eye. It is not a universal treatment for dry-eye disease.

Also called thermal pulsation, Lipiflow can treat meibomian gland dysfunction that is related to evaporative dry eye disease. This process works by using heat and massage to warm and express the meibomian glands to improve the function of the tear.

How Does LipiFlow work?

Before beginning any eye treatment, the doctor begins with a comprehensive eye test. While MGD causes dryness in most eyes, other factors should be considered too. What your doctor does is examine your eyes and check how healthy your tear film is. 

LipiFlow primarily targets obstructed meibomian glands and may have limited benefit when symptoms are caused mainly by aqueous tear deficiency or another condition. Procedure time and suitability must be confirmed by the treating clinic.

LipiFlow applies controlled heat to the inner eyelid with a device that easily and comfortably fits around your eyelids, along with gentle pressure on the outer eyelid. It then warms, massages the meibomian glands, unblocks them, and stimulates oil production, thus leading to a healthier tear film and increased comfort to the eyes.

Benefits of LipiFlow

LipiFlow is a clinic-based treatment used for selected people with meibomian-gland dysfunction. Results and duration vary, it is not suitable for every cause of dry eye, and Vision Concern does not claim this treatment is currently available. Confirm availability and seek an appropriate clinical assessment before booking specifically for LipiFlow.

People may experience warmth, pressure or temporary discomfort during treatment. A qualified provider should explain expected sensations, limitations, contraindications, alternatives and aftercare.

Are there any cons of LipiFlow?

Response varies, and some patients may experience little or no improvement. Possible benefits, limitations, contraindications and alternatives should be discussed with a qualified clinician.

Also, talking about the side effects, there is always a chance that a person can suffer from irritation or hemorrhaging around their eyelids.

How does LipiFlow improve quality of life?

Some appropriately selected patients report symptom improvement after treatment, but the degree and duration of benefit vary. LipiFlow does not guarantee lasting relief or remove every underlying cause of dry eye.

With the dry eyes gone, you will feel so much better and it will have a positive impact on your daily life as well. Your work productivity will automatically increase and you will feel much better inside and out. 

Is LipiFlow the suitable treatment for me?

A clinician may assess the tear film, eyelids and meibomian glands before deciding whether thermal pulsation is appropriate. Confirmed MGD does not automatically mean LipiFlow is required.

MGD is often managed with an individualized plan. LipiFlow is one possible option, not a cure, and it may not be suitable or available for every patient.

Which is better: Intense Pulsed Light or LipiFlow?

Both IPL and LipiFlow have their good and bad sides but which one to choose? It is up to your eye doctor to decide after getting your eyes tested.

Let’s look at the main differences between the two so you’ll be familiar with their pros and cons to some limit:

Conclusion

LipiFlow may help selected patients with MGD-related evaporative dry eye, but outcomes vary and availability must be confirmed. Vision Concern does not claim that this treatment is currently available; contact the clinic for an assessment and referral guidance rather than booking specifically for LipiFlow.

FAQs

1. Who is a good candidate for LipiFlow?

Ans: Often people who have very dry eyes due to MGD are good candidates for receiving LipiFlow treatment. The doctor first conducts a comprehensive eye treatment, including a full evaluation of the tear film and glands. 

2. Is LipiFlow a one-time treatment procedure?

Ans: Treatment frequency varies. Some patients may need additional management or repeat treatment, while others may not be suitable candidates. Follow the treating clinician’s advice.

Get your eye discomfort assessed

Book a dry-eye or discomfort assessment to discuss your symptoms, contact-lens use and screen habits. Ask the team which appointment is appropriate before choosing drops or eyewear.

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