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LipiFlow Dry Eye Treatment

LipiFlow® is an advanced and effective treatment method that restores your eyes' natural tear film.

How Does LipiFlow Work?

The LipiFlow Technology

During the procedure, a specialized thermal pulsator is placed along the upper and lower lids of each eye. This advanced instrument performs two key functions:

  • Direct Heat: It applies controlled warmth to the eyelid's oil-producing (Meibomian) glands.
  • Gentle Massage: It provides a light massage to the lids, allowing dried, stagnant oil to be expressed and cleared.

In the majority of cases, patients achieve significant clinical relief that lasts from nine months to more than three years (36+ months).

An illustration of the human eye showing the Meibomian glands and the tear film layers.

What to Expect: 4 Simple Steps to Relief

Imaging & Diagnosis: We'll use the LipiScan system to get a high-definition look at your Meibomian glands to ensure LipiFlow is the right solution for you.
Preparation: To ensure total comfort, we'll apply numbing drops—the same ones used in a standard eye exam.
The Activators: We place small, sterile, dome-shaped devices on your eyes. Their vaulted design is specifically engineered to protect your cornea while focusing treatment on the eyelids.
The Treatment: For 12 minutes, the system applies gentle heat and "Vector Thermal Pulsation" (a light massage) to liquefy and clear gland blockages. Most patients find the process very relaxing!

The Result: You can drive and return to normal activities immediately. While some feel relief sooner, most patients see optimal results within 6 to 8 weeks.

Curious about the technology behind the treatment? For a more in-depth look at the innovation behind this treatment, you can read the full LipiFlow feature here.

How Do You Assess Whether LipiFlow Is Right for Me?

Your Path to Lasting Relief

To ensure you achieve the best possible results, we perform a comprehensive dry eye evaluation in our office. This screening process helps us determine if you are an ideal candidate for LipiFlow.

OUR ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS INCLUDES:

LipiView

LipiView is a non-invasive 5-minute eye examination procedure that provides the doctor with an accurate digital picture of a patient's tear film, including its lipid content and quality. This information helps the eye doctor decide whether the patient requires a LipiFlow procedure or needs to undergo other dry eye therapy treatments.

Dynamic Meibomian Imaging

Dynamic Meibomian Imaging (DMI) combines two innovative imaging technologies: adaptive transillumination and dynamic illumination. Each technology produces its own independent image of the meibomian glands. Both images are then processed, displayed, and combined to provide a more accurate and precise picture of the structure of the meibomian gland. These images allow the optometrist to detect any structural changes or blockages in the meibomian glands.

LipiScan

LipiScan is a non-invasive testing procedure which helps doctors better assess the health and structure of your meibomian glands. LipiScan generates a multidimensional view of the glands and plays a decisive role in diagnosing and treating the symptoms of DES and MGD.

Frequently Asked Questions About LipiFlow

Let's Put an End to Your Dry Eyes

For more information about our LipiFlow treatment procedure and to find out whether it's right for you, contact Mountain Vista EyeCare and Dry Eye Center today. We will be happy to assess your condition and discuss your options.