Lipiflow
Interested or would like more information about Lipiflow?
Contact our consultant Rachel at (916) 941-3800 (ext. 101).
Contact our consultant Rachel at (916) 941-3800 (ext. 101).
Understanding Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
THE LEADING CAUSE OF DRY EYE
Over the past 15 years, research has revealed that the leading cause of eye discomfort for over 86% of patients with dry eye is MGD.1 MGD is a disease best detected in its earliest stages and then managed to limit progression.
MGD occurs when the protective oil that normally flows from the eyelid (meibomian) glands slows or stops. Over time, blockage and structural damage of the glands occurs. The oil acts as the front line of protection for the tears and lubricates the surface of the eyes when you blink. When these glands are not healthy, it causes the tear film to rapidly evaporate, leaving the eye’s surface exposed. This exposure can cause discomfort that increases over time and impacts quality of vision. This can result in irritating dry eye symptoms.
A routine check for MGD as a part of any eye exam is recommended.
Over the past 15 years, research has revealed that the leading cause of eye discomfort for over 86% of patients with dry eye is MGD.1 MGD is a disease best detected in its earliest stages and then managed to limit progression.
MGD occurs when the protective oil that normally flows from the eyelid (meibomian) glands slows or stops. Over time, blockage and structural damage of the glands occurs. The oil acts as the front line of protection for the tears and lubricates the surface of the eyes when you blink. When these glands are not healthy, it causes the tear film to rapidly evaporate, leaving the eye’s surface exposed. This exposure can cause discomfort that increases over time and impacts quality of vision. This can result in irritating dry eye symptoms.
A routine check for MGD as a part of any eye exam is recommended.
How Is MGD Identified
Both function and structure of the meibomian glands are evaluated to properly assess gland health and identify MGD. To determine function, your doctor will check to see if the glands are releasing oil during the blinking process. Structure can be observed with Dynamic Meibomian Imaging (DMI), providing an accurate image of your meibomian glands. If either function or structure is compromised, it is highly likely that MGD is present and your eye discomfort could become progressively worse if left untreated.
Function
The top layer of the tear film requires oil, or lipid, produced by the meibomian glands. Blocked glands and slowed oil production can cause discomfort, fluctuating vision, reduced contact lens comfort, and the potential for worse symptoms following ocular surgery.2,3
Structure
If left untreated, meibomian gland blockage causes structural damage and gland loss. Once glands are lost, there is no known way to regenerate the glands.
MGD And Dry Eye Treatments
Some treatments for alleviating dry eye symptoms provide temporary relief but do not treat the root cause of the problem. MGD, a chronic and progressive disease, is best managed by treating the root cause using the LipiFlow System. In an in-office LipiFlow procedure, an eye care professional applies precise vectored thermal pulsation (heat to the inside of the lids with simultaneous external pressure to the outside of the lids) to remove the gland blockage to restore gland function. Your eye care professional may provide various options for the treatment of Dry Eye and MGD.
Treating MGD with LipiFlow
As of November 2015, LipiFlow is the only electronic device cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction with clinical studies that demonstrate safety and effectiveness. Through advances in the application of Vectored Thermal Pulsation (VTPTM) technology, LipiFlow utilizes a patented algorithm of precise heat applied to the inner eyelids and directed gentle massage to remove blockages from the meibomian glands. This treatment is designed to restore the natural oil flow to the tear film that covers the eye’s surface. Results: Controlled clinical studies have shown that, on average, LipiFlow achieves sustained 3-fold improvement in meibomian gland function, reducing symptoms to approximately half the pre-procedure level. 4