LipiFlow in Edmonton, St. Albert & Morinville
A short in-office treatment that clears blocked oil glands so your tears stop evaporating too quickly.
What Is LipiFlow?
LipiFlow is an in-office treatment for evaporative dry eye, the most common form of dry eye. It targets the meibomian glands in your eyelids, which produce the oil layer of your tear film. When these glands are blocked, your tears evaporate too quickly and your eyes can feel dry, gritty, watery or tired.
Using controlled heat applied to the inner eyelids and gentle pulsed pressure, LipiFlow helps soften and clear the blockages so the glands can release healthy oil again. Whether LipiFlow is right for you depends on your assessment, which is why we start with an Initial Dry Eye Assessment (IDEA).
How LipiFlow Works
- 1Warms the glandsControlled heat is applied to the inner surface of your eyelids, where the oil glands sit, to gently soften hardened oils.
- 2Clears the blockagesGentle, pulsed pressure helps express the blocked contents from the meibomian glands.
- 3Restores the oil layerWith the glands clearer, they can release healthier oil into your tear film so tears evaporate more slowly.
- 4Pairs with your planLipiFlow is often combined with at-home warm compresses, lid hygiene and follow-up so results last.
What LipiFlow Can Help With
Your optometrist may recommend LipiFlow if your assessment points to blocked oil glands. It is often considered for:
- Meibomian gland dysfunction
- Evaporative dry eye
- Burning, gritty or tired eyes
- Watery eyes caused by an unstable tear film
- Contact lens discomfort
- Dry eye that keeps returning after drops
LipiFlow is not right for every patient. Your optometrist will confirm whether it suits your eyes after your Initial Dry Eye Assessment.
Dry Eye Care That Treats the Cause
LipiFlow is one part of a complete dry eye plan at Capital Vision Care. A dedicated Ocular Hygienist assesses your tear film and tailors treatment to your symptoms, rather than a one-size-fits-all routine.
- State-of-the-art dry eye technology at every clinic
- A dedicated Ocular Hygienist focused on dry eye
- A plan built around the cause of your symptoms
- Care across six Edmonton-area clinics
Frequently Asked Questions
Does LipiFlow hurt?
Most patients describe LipiFlow as a warm, gentle massage of the eyelids. Your optometrist or ocular hygienist will explain what to expect before treatment.
How long until I notice a difference?
Some patients notice improvement within a few weeks as the glands begin to function better. Results vary, and follow-up helps track progress.
How often do I need LipiFlow?
Many patients have a single treatment and then maintain results with at-home care. Some benefit from repeat treatments over time, depending on their glands and symptoms.
Is LipiFlow covered by insurance?
LipiFlow is usually a patient-pay treatment, though some private plans may help. Our team will discuss any fees before treatment.
Related Services
Wondering if LipiFlow Is Right for You?
It starts with an Initial Dry Eye Assessment. Book at Capital Vision Care and we will find the cause of your dry eye and recommend the right plan.
Sources and Further Reading
For more on dry eye disease and the ocular surface: