LipiFlow is a revolutionary treatment that addresses one of the causes of dry eye disease, instead of merely treating the symptoms. In less than 15 minutes, the in-office treatment gets to the root of what causes most dry eye cases — and provides lasting relief.
Leading Boston LipiFlow provider and ophthalmologist Ernest Kornmehl explains the treatment and reveals how long the results normally last.
What Does Treatment Entail?
LipiFlow is designed to treat meibomian gland dysfunction, the cause of the majority of cases of dry eye disease. The meibomian glands are tiny glands in the eyelids that provide the oily layer of the tear film. The oils help the tears “stick” to the surface of the eyes and provide lubrication. If the tear film lacks these oils, the tears evaporate too quickly off the ocular surface, and the eyes dry out. Sometimes the meibomian glands can get blocked with thickened oils; if they are plugged up for long enough, eventually they can atrophy and die.
LipiFlow uses a combination of heat and massage to melt thickened oils and express them from the glands, restoring the normal secretion of oils to the tear film. The LipiFlow device is placed under and over the eyelids and delivers gentle heat and pressure to the lids. The process is quick, comfortable and can be conveniently performed in Dr. Kornmehl’s office.
How Long Do the Effects Last?
Many patients notice an improvement in their symptoms soon after treatment, with the effects continuing to improve over six to eight weeks. According to studies, 98 percent of LipiFlow patients report being extremely satisfied with their results.
The results vary from patient to patient, but the effectiveness of a single LipiFlow treatment tends to last from 6 months to one year. Dry eye is a chronic disease, therefore it requires regular treatments to properly manage and control. LipiFlow should be performed, in a majority of cases once a year to restore oil production/secretion to the tear film and stave off the progression of the disease.
Contact Dr. Ernest Kornmehl
Are you tired of experiencing the uncomfortable effects of dry eye disease? Dr. Kornmehl invites you to visit him and talk about how LipiFlow may relieve your discomfort. Book an appointment with Dr. Kornmehl by contacting our office today.