The LipiFlow® Treatment for Dry Eye
If you’ve ever suffered from dry eye symptoms, you know how unpleasant they can be. Itching, burning, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, pain and discomfort are just a few of the irritating symptoms those with dry eyes have to deal with.
If not treated properly, Dry Eye Disease (DED), also known as Ocular Surface Disease (OSD), can become a recurring problem which will get progressively worse until it eventually causes permanent damage to your eyes.
This is one of the most common conditions we see patients for here at Guilford Eye Center. Fortunately, we have available one of the most progressive treatments for DED, which is supported by over 25 years of research: the Lipiflow® dry eye treatment device.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction & LipiFlow®
While there are quite a few causes of dry eye, the most common is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). MGD is blockage or some other defect of the meibomian glands that causes them not to secrete enough oil, or lipids, into the tears. The tears dry too quickly, leading to the aforementioned symptoms of dry eye. Lipiflow is a treatment device used by eyecare professionals around the world to gently break up and remove these blockages from the meibomian glands. This enables the glands to return to full functioning power, producing the oils necessary for the protection of the top lipid layer of the tear film. All it takes is a quick, pain-free treatment session with an eye specialist.
The Lipiflow® Treatment Process
MGD is treated through the use of thermal pulsation treatment. Essentially, a sterile, single-use activator is placed under and over the eyelids, molding above the cornea to avoid direct contact with the eye’s core surface. Then, the Lipiflow activator simultaneously stimulates the inner and outer eyelids with a combination of Vector Thermal Pulse (inner) and therapeutic motion (outer). The vectored heat and gentle therapeutic pressure combine to safely break up and remove any gland blockage or build-up. The therapy session takes a mere 12 minutes, and within six to eight weeks after treatment, your glands could be back to normal lipid production!
Contact Guilford Eye Center Today
For more information about this unique treatment method, and to receive the best eye care around, contact Guilford Eye Center at (336) 387-6777 to schedule an appointment. You may also submit our online form.
