The Lipiflow thermal pulsation system is an FDA-approved treatment method with proven therapeutic effects for dry eye disease caused by dysfunction of the meibomian glands (MGD),which are oil glands at the base of the eyelashes.
Lipiflow treatment is one of the latest technological treatments applied in addition to eye drops for dry eye disease.
It aims to clear the blockages in the meibomian glands located vertically in the upper and lower eyelids, which secrete the oily layer of the tear film. It is a treatment aimed at addressing the root cause of dry eye.
The Lipiflow device operates by applying automated, pressure-regulated warm compresses and massages to the inner parts of the upper and lower eyelids. The device consists of a computer console and single-use activators applied to the upper and lower lids. It is particularly effective in reducing dry eye symptoms in patients with meibomian gland blockages.
Although more commonly used abroad, this device has recently started to be used in our country as well.
Dry eye is a condition affecting about half of the population and negatively impacting quality of life. Identifying the underlying cause of dry eye is critical to successful treatment.
Studies have shown that meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is responsible for dry eye in approximately 80% of dry eye patients. The meibomian glands, located in the upper and lower eyelids, secrete the oily layer of the tear film. The oily layer forms the topmost part of the tear film and prevents rapid evaporation of tears, keeping the eye surface moist.
In MGD, the glands in the upper and lower lids may become blocked, shortened, or narrowed. As a result, the tear film's oily layer decreases, causing excessive evaporation of tears. This leads to symptoms of dry eye such as burning, stinging, foreign body sensation, redness, and pain.
Lipiflow treatment is most suitable for dry eye patients with meibomian gland dysfunction. This group accounts for more than two-thirds of dry eye patients.
Before the treatment, a comprehensive eye examination is performed, including tests like tear osmolarity, tear quantity, and tear breakup time, to assess the potential benefits of Lipiflow. Additionally, the condition of the glands that produce the oily part of the tear film is evaluated using devices like LipiScan or a test called meibography. Patients with shortened, blocked, or partially lost glands are the ones most likely to benefit from Lipiflow treatment.
Lipiflow treatment is not applied to patients who have undergone eyelid surgery in the past three months or those with active eyelid infections. In cases where the glands that produce the oily layer of tears are entirely damaged, Lipiflow treatment may not provide significant benefits.
Lipiflow treatment takes approximately 12 minutes and is not a painful procedure. Before the treatment, a numbing drop is applied to the eye. The device consists of a computer console and single-use activators. These activators are placed between the upper and lower lids before the procedure.
The middle part of the activator protects the eye from heat, while the outer and inner edges of the lids are heated to the optimal temperature of 42.5°C. During this time, effective peristaltic massage is applied to the glands, ensuring that the blockages are cleared and the thickened oils in the glands are liquefied and drained.
After the treatment, patients can immediately return to their daily activities. Lipiflow treatment can only be performed by experienced doctors equipped with the necessary device in their offices.
After Lipiflow treatment, short-term symptoms such as redness, burning, stinging, itching, and light sensitivity may occur in the eyes. Your doctor may prescribe a mild steroid drop after the treatment. The positive effects of the treatment become noticeable starting from the 3rd or 4th week.
Lipiflow treatment targets the underlying cause rather than the symptoms of the condition. Patients often feel a reduction in dry eye symptoms and experience relief within a few weeks.
The treatment is applied every 6 months to 1 year.
The effect of Lipiflow treatment lasts approximately 6 months to 1 year. Therefore, additional treatment may be needed after one year.
Prof. Dr. Yonca Aydın Akova’s clinic is one of the select centers where Lipiflow treatment is applied along with all other methods for dry eye treatment.
You can call us immediately for detailed information, consultation or appointment.
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PROFESSOR YONCA AYDIN AKOVAOphthalmologist and Eye Surgeon
Dry Eye Treatment Turkey