LipiFlow Dry Eye Treatment
LipiFlow® is an advanced and effective holistic treatment that restores your eyes' natural tear film and helps prevent future meibomian gland loss.
How Does LipiFlow Treat Dry Eyes?
If you have a condition known as dry eye syndrome, you know what it’s like to live with burning, itching, irritated, and watery eyes. What many patients with dry eye may not realize is that most cases (over 80%) are caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), which occurs when the Meibomian glands in the upper and lower eyelids clog up, so they can’t produce sufficient oil or high-quality oil to protect the eye’s surface.
LipiFlow is a breakthrough FDA-approved therapy that helps the glands resume their production of natural, healthy oils for the tear film. By applying the device to the eye area to gently heat up and massage away the blockage, LipiFlow gets to the root of the problem by flushing dead cells from the gland and removing any old, hardened oils.
A single 12-minute session can significantly relieve symptoms in patients suffering from dry eyes and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). For optimal results, we recommend you undergo treatment every 9 to 12 months. In some cases, some patients may not see results for 1-2 weeks post-treatment, until the glands are able to fully replenish their oils.
LipiFlow not only treats current MGD but also helps prevent future meibomian gland atrophy and death in asymptomatic patients. Some patients may have MGD and not experience severe discomfort. But what they don’t realize is that once the affected glands die, they cannot regenerate. LipiFlow helps prevent future meibomian gland loss by unclogging blocked glands and keeping healthy glands functioning properly.
Why are Healthy Tears So Important?
Balanced tears are an important component of healthy, comfortable eyes. When dust, debris or small particles enter the eye, tears form to help flush the eye while keeping the eye moist. Therefore, when tears evaporate too quickly and the eyes become dry, it can lead to itchy eyes, irritation, inflammation, and general discomfort.
A disrupted tear film can cause unstable vision, as the tear film is the first layer that light passes through to reach the retina. That’s why many patients experience visual fluctuations due to dry eye.
How Do You Assess Whether LipiFlow Is Right for Me?
At the Silicon Valley Eye Physicians, we use a number of advanced diagnostic tools to assess Dry Eye Syndrome and create a tailor-made treatment plan. Below are a few of the tools we use when assessing Dry Eye Syndrome, which help us decide the appropriate treatment plan for you, and whether or not it should include LipiFlow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lipiflow
Does LipiFlow have any side effects?
While side effects are rare and minimal, patients may experience burning, stinging, redness, or inflammation. We’ll be happy to address this and any other questions prior to your treatment.
How Much Does LipiFlow Cost?
The cost of LipiFlow varies. It is therefore best to schedule a consultation with our office so that we can quote you the exact price.
Is LipiFlow Covered By Insurance?
Some insurance plans do cover a portion of the costs. However, most insurance plans do not yet cover the cost of LipiFlow. However, we provide our patients with affordable payment solutions and treatment schedules so that you get the relief you need.
How should I prepare for my LipiFlow appointment?
Make sure that you are not wearing contact lenses to the visit. Don’t use artificial tear drops, eyelid creams, or ointments 24 – 48 hours before the appointment, and be sure to remove all eye makeup beforehand.
Is LipiFlow FDA approved?
Yes. LipiFlow is an FDA-approved treatment indicated for moderate to severe Dry Eye Syndrome caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
Can I drive to a LipiFlow appointment?
Yes, you can drive to your LipiFlow appointment and right after it.
Let's Put an End to Your Dry Eyes
For more information about our LipiFlow treatment procedure and to find out whether it’s right for you, contact Silicon Valley Eye Physicians today. We will happily assess your condition and discuss your options.
Our practice serves patients from Sunnyvale, Los Altos, Mountain View, and Cupertino, California and surrounding communities.
Preventative treatment to save glands from future death. They can’t regenerate.
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