Dry eyes and meibomian gland dysfunction are common eye conditions. When you are suffering from dry eyes, you tend to exhibit the following symptoms:

•    Dry, gritty and irritated eyes.
•    Blurred vision.
•    Sensitivity to sunlight.
•    Symptoms worsen when you read, drive or use the computer for prolonged periods of time.

These symptoms are indicative of evaporative dry eye or a chronic condition that occurs when your tears evaporate faster than normal because you have insufficient lipid layer on the tear film of your eye. The condition worsens overtime and it is often due to the blockage in the meibomian gland or the oil-producing glands of the eyelids.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is an eye condition that occurs when the glands become blocked overtime. The secretion of the lipids from individual glands located in the upper and lower eyelids are limited due to the blockage. This condition is characterized by eyelid inflammation, swelling and redness.

Causes

MGD may be due to any of the following:

•    Age
•    Medical conditions like diabetes
•    Hormonal changes such as during menopause
•    Use of contact lens
•    Eye hygiene
•    Use of eye cosmetics.

Treatments

Dry eyes and MGD are usually interrelated. Most people would try to self-heal these conditions as their symptoms appear to be common. Some would resort to home remedies like applying warm compress on the affected eye, while some would use eye drops. Unfortunately, the relief provided by these remedies is temporary. The condition can recur.

LipiFlow

Fortunately, people with dry eyes and MGD no longer need to suffer. With the invention of the revolutionary LipiFlow technology, the symptoms and the leading cause of evaporative dry eye can now be treated. The LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System treats this eye condition caused by MGD.

The treatment opens and clears blocked meibomian glands to allow the body to resume natural production of lipids needed by the tear film.

Procedure

•    A licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist will evaluate your condition to determine its likely cause. You may be asked to complete a lifestyle questionnaire to assess how your eyes feel on a daily basis.

•    If your symptoms are mild, a non-invasive test will be conducted with the use of the LipiView Ocular Surface Interferometer. This is similar to a comprehensive eye exam where images of your tear film will be captured. The equipment can process 14 million pixels per second. This takes less than five minutes and your doctor will use the result to assess your tear film.

•    Your doctor will most likely conduct a meibomian gland evaluation to check if your glands are blocked or obstructed.

•    If you are found eligible for the procedure, the LipiFlow treatment will proceed. Controlled heat will be applied to your inner eyelid. Mild intermittent pressure will also be applied to release lipids from your blocked meibomian glands. The upper and lower eyelids are treated simultaneously. There is absolutely no damage to the glands or the eyes. The procedure is done in your doctor’s clinic.

79% of patients reported 10% to 100% improvement in their over-all symptoms within four weeks from treatment. With this highly-reliable and painless procedure, you can say goodbye to your dry eyes and MGD.

Finally most dry eye patients can now be treated.  The first LipiFlow system will be installed in Australia by The Eye Practice (Sydney CBD) this month.

Enquiries and appointments have been made from around the country and as far away as New Zealand.  Call The Eye Practice now on (02) 9290 1899 or ask a question by clicking on the QUICK ENQUIRY Tab at the top right of this website.