The LipiFlowⓇ Thermal Pulsation System offers a revolutionary in-office treatment that manages dry eye symptoms without daily drops or other treatments.
Instead, the LipiFlow device uses massage and controlled warmth to clear blockages in the tiny meibomian glands lining the lower eyelid. This helps improve tear quality by restoring the natural flow of oils to your eyes as you blink.
Eye specialists at Marano Eye Care, a division of Ophthalmology New Jersey, in Denville, Livingston, and Newark, New Jersey, can diagnose the cause of your dry eyes. If it is MGD, they may recommend a LipiFlow treatment.
Here’s how the treatment works and how long results typically last.
A healthy tear film contains three layers: mucus, water, and oils. When functioning normally, tears are replenished with every blink. They help protect the eyes from dryness and damage or infection caused by debris or bacteria.
The watery (aqueous) layer of tears is produced in the lacrimal ducts, located just above the outer corner of each eye. Dry eye syndrome may be due to a lack of aqueous tears produced by these small, almond-shaped glands.
However, dry eye syndrome often occurs when tears evaporate too quickly. This is typically related to blockages in the meibomian glands (meibomian gland dysfunction). These tiny glands rim the lower eyelid and produce the outer or oily layer of the tear film.
Sometimes, dry eye is related to both issues: lack of aqueous tears and an insufficient or unstable oil layer. At Marano Eye Care, we identify the underlying cause before prescribing dry eye treatment.
LipiFlow targets the root cause of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) by applying carefully controlled heat and gentle pressure to the eyelids. This combination helps clear blockages in the glands, allowing them to function correctly.
The procedure is quick, typically lasting about 12 minutes, and is noninvasive, making it a popular, safe, and effective choice for dry eye relief.
On average, patients report significant symptom improvement for 12 months, sometimes longer. However, the longevity of LipiFlow results varies and depends on several factors.
For instance, you may experience longer-lasting results if your MGD is mild. Lifestyle and environmental factors may also contribute. Spending significant time in dry, dusty, or air-conditioned environments may shorten the effects of the treatment.
Your Marano Eye Care specialist can help you maximize LipiFlow benefits by recommending strategies that help promote tear health. For example, using warm compresses or prescribed eyelid cleansers can help keep your meibomian glands clear and functioning well.
Protecting your eyes from environmental stressors by wearing wraparound sunglasses to block wind and dust and using a humidifier in dry indoor settings can also help lower your risk of MGD.
Regular eye care visits also allow your doctor to monitor the condition and provide maintenance treatments for ongoing symptom control and appropriate oil production.
If you’re curious whether LipiFlow is right for you, schedule a consultation at Marano Eye Care today by calling one of our New Jersey offices.
