Treating MGD
Possible treatment for Evaporative Dry Eyes and MGD include:
Oily Layer - Outermost layer prevents evaporation
Warm compress therapy and eyelid hygiene using scrubs and manual massage
Topical prescription medications
Over-the-counter tear replacements and lubricants
Punctal plugs made of silicone or collagen inserted in the tear ducts
Your doctor will determine the best treatment option for you based on several factors that are obtained during your Dry Eye Evaluation.
What is LipiFlow®?
The LipiFlow® System is the only FDA-cleared medical device for removing gland blockages and restoring gland function. Through advances in the application of Vectored Thermal Pulsation (VTP™) technology, the LipiFlow® treatment utilizes a patented algorithm of heat applied to the inner eyelids and massage to remove the obstructions in your meibomian glands. Performed in office by your doctor, the complete dual treatment takes less than 20 minutes.
During a LipiFlow® Treatment
The 12-minute treatment will begin with you resting in a reclined chair in a procedure room. Your doctor or a staff member of Precision Vision Edmond will place a mild anesthetic drop into the eye(s) being treated. Your doctor will gently fit the LipiFlow® disposable eyepiece under your eyelids, which will close around the applicator. After the LipiFlow® is activated you will feel both gentle pressure and warmth on your eyelids.
Once the temperature of the applicator reaches a therapeutic range – enough warmth to begin melting the blockages of the glands, it will maintain a constant pressure for 2 minutes. Next, the pressure will go through different modes, including slow increasing pressure and pulsation for several cycles for the remaining 10 minutes of the treatment.
The results of the LipiFlow® treatment vary patient to patient. It may take several weeks to see any symptom relief, so a follow-up re-evaluation is typically scheduled 8 weeks after the treatment – some patients will require more than 1 follow-up depending on your eye’s response to the treatment.
Contraindications, risks, and
potential adverse effects of LipiFlow® treatments
Patients with certain eye conditions are contraindicated from having LipiFlow®, certain conditions include, but are not limited to*:
Recent eye surgery or injury
Recurrent chronic inflammation of the eye in the prior 3 months
Eyelid abnormality that affects eyelid movement and function
Eye surface abnormality that may affect the integrity of the ocular surface
Moderate to severe eye allergies
Some patients may have adverse affects that occur as a result of the procedure, these include but are not limited to the onset or increase in*:
Eyelid or eye pain requiring the discontinuation of the LipiFlow® procedure
Eyelid irritation or inflammation
Eye surface irritation or inflammation
Heat related injury to the eyelid or eye
Physical pressure-induced injury to the eyelid
Other eye symptoms: redness, burning, stinging, itching, sensitivity to light
*These are all possible adverse effects, but have a low occurrence rate