Whether it’s constant irritation or persistent blurriness, dry eye symptoms can make everyday tasks a challenge. You may feel like dry eyes are something you have to simply live with, using bottle after bottle of eye drops to find relief. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to explore a groundbreaking solution brought to you by your optometrist—LipiFlow treatment.
Lipiflow addresses dry eyes at the source by using heat and pressure to melt away blockages and promote healthy tears. Designed to tackle the root cause of many dry eye cases, LipiFlow could be the relief you’ve been looking for.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eyes occur when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. This condition can lead to various symptoms that can make each day a struggle. Not only is it irritating, it’s a common issue, affecting around 30% of Canadians.
There are 2 primary types of dry eye:
- Aqueous Deficiency Dry Eye: When the eyes don’t produce enough tear fluid.
- Evaporative Dry Eye: When tears evaporate too quickly, often due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). This type accounts for about 85% of all dry eye cases.
Your tears are more than simply water, so when their tear production is interrupted, you’re leaving your eyes at risk of greater damage
Symptoms of Dry Eyes
Common dry eye symptoms include:
- A burning or stinging sensation in your eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye redness
- Eye fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Stringy mucus in the eyes
Ironically, some people with dry eyes may also experience watery eyes as the body tries to compensate for the dryness.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Several factors can increase your risk of developing dry eyes, including:
- Aging
- Hormonal changes
- Medications such as antihistamines and oral contraceptives
- Medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes
- Prolonged screen time
- Exposure to wind, smoke, and dry air
However, one of the leading causes of dry eyes is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Meibomian glands, located in your lower and upper eyelids, secrete an oily substance called meibum. This oil forms the outer layer of your tear film, which is essential to prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.
When these glands become blocked or dysfunctional, they can’t produce enough oil, leading to dry, scratchy, and inflamed eyes. Fortunately, this condition is exactly what LipiFlow can address.
How Does LipiFlow Work?
Before any dry eye treatment, we start with a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose the cause of your symptoms. If we identify MGD as the problem, LipiFlow might be the ideal solution for you.
LipiFlow is a non-invasive treatment designed to address evaporative dry eye caused by MGD. The procedure takes about 12 minutes and involves a device that fits comfortably around your eyelids. It applies controlled heat to the inner eyelid and gentle pressure on the outer eyelid, warming and massaging the meibomian glands to unblock them and stimulate oil production.
The result? A healthier tear film and more comfortable eyes.
Benefits of LipiFlow
LipiFlow offers several benefits:
- Long-Lasting Relief: Studies show that LipiFlow can provide symptom relief for up to a year.
- Non-Invasive: The procedure is safe and avoids the need for surgery.
- Minimal Discomfort: Patients may feel minor discomfort or warmth during the treatment, but numbing eyedrops can be used for added comfort. Some people even find it soothing!
Other Ways to Manage MGD At Home
While LipiFlow can be an effective in-office procedure to manage MGD, there are some at-home methods you can employ if you need relief immediately. Try the following:
- Warm Compresses: Use a clean towel soaked in warm water, place it over your closed eyes for 4–5 minutes, and do this twice a day to help loosen blockages.
- Eyelid Massages: Gently massage your eyelids to help the glands release their oils.
- Lubricating Eye Drops: Also known as artificial tears, these can add moisture directly to your eyes. Ask your optometrist for recommendations.
You can also make a few lifestyle adjustments to reduce your risk of dry eye, including:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep your body and eyes well-hydrated.
- Take Breaks from Screens: Follow the 20-20-20 rule when using screens—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This practice can help reduce eye strain and allow your eyes to refresh.
- Use Humidifiers: If you live in a dry climate or frequently use heating or air conditioning, consider using a humidifier in your home or office to maintain moisture levels in the air.
- Wear Protective Eyewear: Sunglasses can shield your eyes from wind, dust, and harmful UV rays, especially when you’re outdoors. Look for wraparound styles for extra protection.
- Limit Smoke Exposure: Smoking or being around smoke can irritate the eyes and disrupt tear production.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with dry eye symptoms, LipiFlow could be the solution you’ve been searching for. By addressing the root cause of evaporative dry eye, it offers a promising pathway to lasting relief.
LipiFlow is only 1 of our treatment types. Depending on your needs, we also offer Blephex, intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, low light level therapy (LLLT), & ZEST.Don’t suffer in silence. Book an appointment with one of our eye care professionals at Eyes on Harvest Hills today to see if LipiFlow is right for you. Your eyes deserve the best care, so take the first step toward more comfortable vision!
