Traditional treatments for dry eye problems caused by gland dysfunction are only temporary, but by understanding the main cause of this irritation, we can find a lasting solution to dry, irritated eyes.

The drops have lost their effect. Romantic comedies won’t do the trick. Punctual plugs just don’t last long enough.

When it comes to your dry eyes, nothing seems to work — or, at least, work well. That’s because dry eyes can be caused by many different things: aging, certain prescriptions, infections, and underlying diseases. Each one affecting our tear production differently.

However, the most common type of dry eye is MGD — Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. This specific cause of dry eye is one we’ll focus on below.

What is MGD?

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction occurs when the small oil-producing glands, called Meibomian glands, become blocked. These glands play an important role in the overall quality of your eye’s natural tears as it keeps them from evaporating too quickly from your eye’s surface.

When blocked, Meibomian glands can’t provide enough oil for your tears, and while prescription eye drops, artificial tears, dietary supplements, and punctal plugs may help at first, they don’t address the root cause of dysfunction in the eye.

When you visit our dry eye clinic {{hyperlink to scheduling page}}, we will assess whether or not you have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and how we can help! If we discover you are suffering from MGD, our optometrist will recommend a treatment course that may include Lipiflow.

Lipiflow for Dry Eye Treatment

The LipiFlow ® is specially designed to remove blockages and restore the functionality of the Meibomian glands, allowing the protective lipid layer of the tear film to be produced regularly. LipiFlow ® is a non-invasive clinical procedure, with a total appointment time of 30 minutes, lasting 12 minutes.

By delivering a combination of heat and therapeutic motion to the eyelids in a safe and comfortable manner, LipiFlow ® effectively releases blockages within the Meibomian glands. They can resume producing and delivering the essential oil needed for healthy tear film and eye comfort once the glands are free of blockages.

LipiFlow ® applicators are contoured to prevent corneal contact, thus protecting the delicate eye structures. So, many dry-eye sufferers are able to resume normal activity immediately after treatment with maximum results experienced 6-8 weeks after.

Ready to rid yourself of dry eyes for good? Schedule a dry eye assessment today. Learn More!