LipiFlow

Pepose Vision Institute is one of the few centers in the United States to have the new LipiView diagnostic system. This allows the doctor to evaluate and accurately measure the thickness of the outer oily lipid layer of the tears, as well as how completely the patient blinks. If the layer is deficient, the patient can then undergo a 12 minute, office procedure called LipiFlow.

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome

According to the latest studies, more than 64% of patients who suffer from chronic dry eye have a lipid deficiency caused by a blockage of the meibomian glands. This condition is also often called evaporative dry eye. The meibomian glands are located on the rims of the eyelids. Their primary function is to supply meibum, an oily substance that prevents the evaporation of the eye's tear film, which is comprised of three layers: the lipid layer, the aqueous layer and the mucin layer.

How Does LipiFlow Work?

This device is inserted around the lids after placing numbing drops. The device then heats up and massages the oil-producing glands. The heat liquefies the waxy oils that clog the openings of the gland and the pulsating massage evacuates the glands so they can function normally. The treatment has been shown to be effective and generally keeps the signs and symptoms under control for around 12 months, when the treatment can be repeated. This new ground-breaking diagnostic test and innovative treatment may provide relief for many dry eye sufferers who have not responded to conventional therapy with artificial tears, drops, and warm compresses.

LipiFlow Treatment

The first step in treating chronic dry eye is to determine if the patient is suffering from evaporative dry eye. Patients will undergo a series of dry eye tests, including the LipiView and TearLab systems. If the patient is found to be lipid deficient, he or she may be a candidate for the LipiFlow treatment.

The LipiFlow treatment begins with the administration of anesthetic eye drops for maximum patient comfort. A LipiFlow eyepiece is then carefully placed, and the patient is asked to close his/her eye around the piece. Next, the device is activated to deliver gentle pressure and warmth to the eyelids, thereby melting away the blockages within the glands. During the next 12 minutes, the LipiFlow device delivers precise amounts of pressure and pre-programmed degrees of temperature to facilitate an optimal treatment outcome. The procedure is well-tolerated, and most patients only feel gentle pressure without pain.

Contact Us

If you suffer from dry eye, please use the form below to determine if this new treatment can cure your dry eye symptoms. We will help you determine the cause of your dry eye and whether you qualify to receive this revolutionary dry eye treatment.

Dry Eye Survey