LipiFlow® Dry Eye Treatment

LipiFlow® Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye affects more than 340 million people around the world. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is a leading cause of dry eye, found in an estimated 86% of dry eye patients.

At Visionmax Eye Centre, we offer a definite treatment to this common problem instead of only prescribing symptomatic relief: the LipiFlow® System. It is a best-in-class medical device treatment for MGD shown to improve mean gland function and dry eye symptoms.

Lipiflow Dry Eye Treatment Edmonton and Northern Alberta
Lipiflow Dry Eye Treatment Edmonton and Northern Alberta

LipiFlow, or thermal pulsation treatment, increases the quality and quantity of oil in the outer layer of your tear film by unblocking and expressing the Meibomian glands. These glands stimulate the secretion and flow of normal lipids onto the tear film. Opening these blocked glands allows them to resume the natural production of lipids needed for a healthy tear film.

The LipiFlow device is a single-use activator that has an insulated and contoured design to protect the cornea and other delicate parts of the eye during the procedure. This computer-controlled device applies precisely controlled heat and adaptive pressure to the inner eyelid. The glands are gently cleared due to the liquefying of any blockages and stagnant material. Cleared glands can now resume the natural production of lipids needed for a balanced tear film.

The treatment lasts roughly 10-12 minutes per eye, but both eyes are usually done at the same time. 

There is no downtime after a LipiFlow treatment. Clinical trials show that in most patients’ gland secretions improve within two to four weeks. However, for patients who have had this disease for over a year, it can take 4-5 months to notice a difference. Long-term relief from LipiFlow will depend on a variety of factors like lifestyle, how long you have had dry eyes, your age, and general health. 

If you have been diagnosed with dry eyes syndrome related to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), you could be a good candidate for LipiFlow. We will do a comprehensive dry eye assessment to examine the tear film and eye glands before deciding if Lipiflow is the right treatment approach for you.

Other causes of dry eye disease include a high osmolarity, tear/aqueous deficiency, ocular surface inflammation, and contact lens-related complications. Our dry eye assessments by a qualified and experienced doctor include an array of tests to get to the bottom of each individual’s dry eye symptoms and ocular surface disease entity.

​Find out if a LipiFlow treatment can help you with dry eyes

At Visionmax Eye Centre, we do a thorough eye evaluation to determine if you can expect positive results from LipiFlow. Call our office at 780-452-4111 to schedule a consultation today. 

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