At some point, nearly everyone will experience some form of ocular dryness, stinging or burning. Most of the time, the symptoms subside within a day or so. But some people struggle with these symptoms all the time with no relief. They have what is known as “dry eye syndrome,” and it is actually quite common. More than 100 million people suffer from the condition, which has two primary forms: aqueous deficient dry eye and evaporative dry eye.
Traditionally, dry eye has been treated with eye drops, warm compresses and punctal plugs. However, these methods usually only provide short-term relief. Modern advances in ophthalmology have led to the development of the LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System, which combines heat and gentle pressure to address the root of the problem. LipiFlow is available at Dr Lippman’s Eye Care Center.
How Does LipiFlow Work?
LipiFlow is designed to treat evaporative dry eye, the most common type of dry eye in which the meibomian eyelid glands malfunction. The meibomian glands line the margins of the eyelids and are essential to protect the eyes and keep them lubricated. Healthy meibomian glands produce oils (lipids) that form the outer layer of the tear filmand prevent the eye’s tears from evaporating too quickly. In people with evaporative dry eye, their meibomian glands become either inflamed or obstructed and stop producing these oils. As a result, the tears evaporate prematurely and the eyes develop uncomfortable symptoms such as stinging, burning, redness, fatigue, blurred vision and sensitivity to light.
Serious cases of dry eye can compromise a person’s ability to read, drive, use a computer or send a text. The condition can get progressively worse without the proper treatment intervention.
Lipiflow Treatment Details
- LipiFlow is an FDA-approved device for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction. It gently clears the obstructed glands to promote the natural flow of oils.
- Treatment takes about 12 minutes per eye and is conveniently performed in our New Rochelle office.
- Depending on the severity of the case, Dr. Lippman may recommend a single treatment or a series of treatments for best results.
- During the treatment, a special eyepiece is placed under and over the eyelids. It delivers a combination of controlled heat and gentle pressure to open the blocked glands and restore gland function. The glands then resume oil production and start to release oils to coat the eye’s tears. This leads to a reduction of dry eye symptoms, and more normal meibomian gland anatomy.
Studies have demonstrated LipiFlow’s safety and effectiveness. One study showed almost 80 percent of patients saw a reduction in symptoms after a single treatment. LipiFlow side effects are rare.
Contact Lippman Eye Care Center
If you suffer from the uncomfortable symptoms of evaporative dry eye, you don’t have to suffer any longer. Dr. Lippman can evaluate you and determine whether LipiFlow can give you the relief you deserve. To schedule an appointment with the doctor, contact Lippman Eye Care Center today.
