Here at Heights Eyecare, we are proud to offer safe, modern, and effective treatments for patients suffering from dry eye, including the LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System!
Dry eye occurs when your body does not produce enough tears, which can happen for a multitude of reasons. Advanced age, contact lenses, certain medications, medical conditions, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), and environmental factors can all play a part in dry eye.
Over 85% of patients who come to use with dry eyes are suffering from MGD. MGD occurs when the meibomian glands become blocked. These glands help secrete the lipid layers of our tears, which is composed of oils. This secretion lubricates, forms a barrier, and prevents the evaporation of tears. When these glands become blocked, your tears are missing that protective layer, and are prone to evaporation and instability.
In healthy eyes, every blink causes pressure that expresses a small amount of oil from the meibomian glands, which is distributed evenly across the eye. The obstruction of these glands leads to non-productive blinks, dry eyes, irritation, impaired vision, and more. If left untreated, MGD may cause the obstructed glands to atrophy and cease all functions, which leads to chronic discomfort and changes in sight.
The LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System is a medical device specifically used for MGD. After a simple anesthetic drop is placed in the eye, this method uses a small, single-use sterile device (called the “Activator”) to safely deliver therapeutic energies to the meibomian glands.
Obstructed oils are liquified and sucked up and out of the glands. This is done in our offices during a 30-minute bilateral treatment.
Other treatments for dry eye include artificial tears, either in liquid or ointment form depending on your case.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (406) 252-9927.