Healthy Oils = Healthy Tears.
A Drug Free Way to Restore the Natural Flow of Oil
LipiFlow is a minimally invasive and FDA-approved treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) , and it is performed inside The Oasis Center.
MGD occurs when the Meibomian glands, which are small oil-producing glands in the eyelids, become congested. These glands play a crucial role in producing the oily layer of the tear film, which helps keep the eye’s surface moist and prevents tears from evaporating too quickly.
86% of Dry Eye patients have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), yet it is often overlooked!
“Anyone can get MGD, but some of us are more prone than others. Contact lens wearers are at higher risk, as are heavy users of electronic devices. Postmenopausal women are also at higher risk for MGD.”
“HEALTHY TEARS stay on your eyes, UNHEALTHY TEARS fall off your eyes.”
LipiFlow is designed to address MGD by applying controlled heat and pressure to the inner and outer surfaces of the eyelids. The treatment typically involves the following steps:
- The patient sits comfortably while a special eyepiece is placed on the eyes.
- The eyepiece delivers warmth and gentle pressure to the eyelids, melting the blocked oil within the Meibomian glands.
- A device simultaneously massages the eyelids to help express the liquefied oil and unblock the Meibomian glands.
By unclogging these glands and improving the flow of oil, LipiFlow aims to restore the balance of the tear film, thereby alleviating the symptoms of dry eye. Dry eye symptoms can include discomfort, redness, burning, itching, and excessive tearing, as the eye attempts to compensate for the lack of a stable tear film.
What to Expect
- Preparation:
- Before the LipiFlow treatment, you will typically have an initial evaluation with Dr. Faheem Inayatali. He will assess your dry eye symptoms and determine if LipiFlow is an appropriate treatment for your condition.
- Time to Relax:
- You will be comfortably positioned with a pillow and some of your favorite tunes playing in the background.
- Application of Eyepiece:
- We will place a specialized eyepiece on each of your eyes. These eyepieces are designed to fit over your eyes and deliver the necessary heat and pressure to the Meibomian glands in the eyelids.
- Treatment:
- The eyepieces are equipped with a heating element and a massaging component. The treatment begins by applying controlled heat to the inner and outer surfaces of the eyelids. This heat helps to melt and liquefy the blocked oils within the Meibomian glands.
- Simultaneously, the device gently massages the eyelids to encourage the expression of the liquefied oil and to help unblock the Meibomian glands.
- The entire LipiFlow treatment typically takes around 12 minutes to complete.
- Completion:
- Once the treatment is finished, the eyepieces are removed, and any excess oil or debris may be cleaned from the eye area.
- Post-Treatment:
- You may be advised to use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops after the treatment to help soothe your eyes.
The goal of LipiFlow is to unclog the Meibomian glands and improve the flow of oil from these glands, which, in turn, helps restore the balance of the tear film. This can alleviate the symptoms of dry eye and provide relief from discomfort, burning, itching, and other dry eye-related issues.
