Lipiflow as a New Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye, also known as ocular surface inflammation, can be a frustrating experience for many patients.   Ocular surface inflammation is a multifactorial disease; therefore, symptoms can include watering, burning, stinging, grittiness, redness, itching, and more. It is best to treat the underlying condition and sometimes, over the counter artificial tears are not enough.  University Eye Associates in Charlotte, Davidson, or Harrisburg, NC, can help you ease pain in the article below.

News for Dry Eye

There are several ways to treat dry eye syndrome. Technology has changed and improved the way we look at dry eye.  Lipiflow has been one of those changes. Lipiflow is an FDA-approved treatment that targets the meibomian glands within the eyelids. These glands contribute to the lipid layer of the tear film. This treatment has been a vital tool for eye doctors to help treat ocular surface inflammation.

How to Get Treatment

Every patient is evaluated thoroughly to determine if they are eligible for the Lipiflow treatment. Not every dry eye case will benefit from this type of treatment though. The evaluation involves an analysis of the patient’s meibomian glands, tear film, cornea, and bulbar conjunctiva. If the criteria is met, based on an eye doctor’s diagnosis, then Lipiflow can be recommended.

The Lipiflow treatment is an in-office procedure that will take roughly 15 minutes to complete. The process is similar to an at-home warm compress. There are two applicators that hug the inside and outside of the eyelids. The equipment will heat the eyelids to help thin the oil, while the applicators gently squeeze for expression. The treatment is not painful nor extremely warm. The cornea is protected by a shield throughout the entire procedure. All clogged and thickened oil will be expressed during this procedure. The eyes will feel nice a lubricated over the next several days. This treatment may need to be repeated in the future.

Optometry Lipiflow Treatment for Patients

If you are experiencing any of these signs and/or symptoms, please come to one of our office locations. We would be happy to see you for a full comprehensive exam and a dry eye consultation. Ocular surface inflammation is a chronic and progressive condition, let us help you improve how your eyes feel. Call us at Charlotte (704) 547-1551, Davidson (704) 896-9090, or Harrisburg (Rocky River) (704) 536-6042 to schedule an appointment. You won't be disappointed!