Broome Optical in Amarillo, Texas offers LipiFlow treatment to address dry eyes. LipiFlow is a specialized groundbreaking medical treatment designed to target meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a common underlying cause
of dry eyes. Experts at Broome Optical in Amarillo, Texas use the term MGD to define a group of acquired and congenital disorders that are linked to functional problems in the meibomian glands. The doctors with Broome Optical in Amarillo, Texas understand the LipiFlow treatment and can help you and your dry eyes.
Why Do You Need LipiFlow For Dry Eyes
LipiFlow is a specialized treatment for dry eyes, specifically targeting a common underlying cause known as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Because of the dry climate, like in the Texas Panhandle, you might need LipiFlow for dry eyes if your symptoms are related to this condition.
The meibomian glands are responsible for producing the lipid (oil) layer of the tear film, which helps prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands are blocked or not functioning properly, they cannot produce enough oil, leading to rapid evaporation of tears and dry eyes. By restoring proper function to the meibomian glands, LipiFlow helps improve the quality of the tear film, which in turn can provide relief from dry eye symptoms such as irritation, burning, and redness.
What Is LipiFlow Treatment
Many treatments for dry eyes focus on providing symptom relief, but LipiFlow addresses the root cause of MGD by unclogging the meibomian glands and allowing them to produce oil more effectively. LipiFlow is a thermal pulsation system that combines heat and gentle pressure to unblock and clear the meibomian glands located in the eyelids.
How Does LipiFlow Work
LipiFlow is a non-invasive, in-office treatment by experts with Broome Optical in Amarillo, Texas and it typically takes around 12 minutes per eye. It offers a convenient option for patients looking for relief from dry eyes. During a LipiFlow treatment session, a specialized device is used to apply
controlled heat to the inner eyelids. The device simultaneously applies gentle pressure to the outer eyelids to help express the contents of the meibomian glands. This thermal pulsation helps unblock and clear any obstructions in the glands, allowing them to function properly and produce
oil for the tear film. The treatment is generally comfortable for patients at Broome Optical in Amarillo, Texas, with minimal discomfort during the application. And, the treatment is FDA-cleared and has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated by most patients.
Treatment Description
Before the actual treatment starts, your eye specialist at Broome Optical in Amarillo, Texas will use mild anesthetic drops on each eye. After that, patients usually undergo debridement, which is a brief procedure that helps remove any debris around the eye and the eyelids’ edges. When debridement is over, the Lipiflow treatment can finally begin.
You will sit relaxed in a reclined chair, and depending on the time that has passed, your eye doctor at Broome Optical in Amarillo may place another round of numbing drops in your eyes. Then, a special eye-piece is placed into each eye. At this point, you will be asked to close your eyes gently and
keep them that way for the remainder of the session.
Once the applicators are in their places, the LipiFlow will finally start. During the treatment, you will feel gentle pressure on your eyelids, together with mild warmth. The pulsation system has two cycles, each of them lasting for six minutes. The first will be the warming phase, which is followed by sporadic pulsations and constant pressure. When the first cycle is over, the second cycle will also begin with the warming phase. These different phases are necessary for the treatment, as they help remove blockage from the glands.
How Long Does The Treatment Last
By treating the underlying cause of dry eyes, LipiFlow can provide long-lasting relief from symptoms. While individual results may vary, many patients experience significant improvement that lasts for months. If
LipiFlow effectively treats your dry eyes, you may find that you need fewer eye drops or other dry eye treatments. LipiFlow will greatly reduce the need for other treatments. Some patients may notice immediate relief and improvement in symptoms after the treatment, though it may take a few days or weeks for optimal results.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eyes, such as irritation, dryness, redness, or blurred vision, and suspect that meibomian gland dysfunction may be the cause, LipiFlow treatment could be an effective option for you.
LipiFlow is an innovative and effective treatment option for dry eyes caused by meibomian gland dysfunction. If you are experiencing dry eyes and believe you may benefit from LipiFlow treatment, you may want to consult with a specialist at Broome Optical in Amarillo, Texas for a personalized evaluation and treatment plan.