LipiFlow® Treats Dry Eye

Visit our office, EyeWish Optometry, for long term relief from dry eye syndrome.

Finally, there’s a proven treatment for dry eye that can actually help restore the natural moisture balance of your eyes.

LipiFlow® is a quick non-invasive medical treatment that treats the leading cause of dry eye— meibomian gland disease.

Find out how you can get lasting relief from dry eye syndrome. Please call 415-897-2997 to schedule an appointment.

What Causes Dry Eye?

lacrimal gland shown in area between nose by upper eyelid - while Meibomian glads are in the eye lids; the image also shows the three layers of the tear film: Mucin layer in green, aqueous layer in blue and lipid layer in baby puke yellow

Dry eye is a troublesome medical condition caused by an imbalance in the protective film of tears.

Tears play an essential role in lubricating and nourishing the eye surface. They support vision and eye health. If tears are lacking, of low quality, or easily evaporated, your eyes will suffer.

Tear production and retention can be impacted by a range of conditions including temporary irritants like pollen or wind, certain daily habits such as contact wear, and underlying medical conditions such as chronic illness or—more commonly—meibomian gland dysfunction.

What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

An estimated one-third of adults may have some mild symptoms of dry eye. But for about 7% of women and 4% of men over the age of 50, this condition is a serious problem. Disruption of tear production or chronic inflammation of the eye surface can lead to symptoms of dry eye. But for the majority of cases, meibomian gland dysfunction is the underlying cause. The eyelids are lined with dozens of meibomian glands which have tiny ducts that release important lubricants to the eye. These secretions are vital to eye health and comfort. Age, certain skin or health conditions, contact use, and environmental irritants can disrupt proper function and secretion of these glands, leading to meibomian gland disease.

Resulting symptoms may include:

Irritated, gritty, scratchy, or burning eyes
Excess watering
Blurred vision

Treatment often focuses on symptom relief rather than resolving the underlying problem. LipiFlow® is different.

black and white images of 2 human eyes with the eyelid pulled back showing Meibomian Glands ducts white and thick as though the ducts are jammed with goo the appearance extends throughout the length and width of the eyelid in one person the second eyelid shows some healthy ducts the dysfunction is greatly reduced but still evident

How Does LipiFlow Work?

LipiFlow is an FDA-approved medical device for treating meibomian gland disease. It is a sophisticated technology based on the proven therapeutic use of heat and massage to relieve blockages. The procedure is quick and noninvasive. LipiFlow uses precisely controlled heat and massage to open blocked ducts and restore normal gland activity. Patented components called Activators deliver this treatment directly to the inner and outer lids while protecting delicate eye tissue. Sterile and single-use, the Activators are designed for patient safety and comfort.

Each treatment takes approximately 12 minutes right here in our office. Most patients experience improvement in symptoms in as little as two weeks, but only your eye doctor can guide you on what to expect.

a close up of the side of the face of a white woman who is lying back with a relaxed look to her face and with a white devices that are attached to both her eyelids with a cord running off the apex of the devices flowing to the foreground of the image

Schedule an Appointment to Learn More

LipiFlow is a unique solution for one of the leading causes of dry eye. Schedule your appointment now to find out about ways to improve the comfort and health of your eyes.