Your comprehensive guide to LipiFlow benefits and FAQs
Quickly discover how this revolutionary eye treatment can give you visual comfort
LipiFlow treatment is an effective method for treating blepharitis and associated dry eye.
These conditions lead to dry, itchy and very uncomfortable eyes and can dramatically decrease your quality of life.
Symptoms can include:
- Itchy eyes
- Swelling on the upper and/or lower eyelids
- Eye dryness
- Dandruff-like flakes on the eyelashes or lash line
- Tearing/watery eyes
- A sensation as if there’s something in your eye
- Styes
Using a specialist vector thermal pulsation technology called LipiFlow to unblock the glands, lid margin exfoliation with Blephex and Sharmina Khan’s rationalised regime of eye drops, most of the symptoms can be significantly reduced.
Advantages
- Effective treatment: LipiFlow targets the root cause of dry eye by unblocking the Meibomian glands, helping to restore natural oil production to the tear film.
- Quick procedure: The treatment is relatively quick, typically taking about 12 minutes, and is performed in a doctor’s office.
- Minimally invasive: It’s a non-invasive procedure that doesn’t require surgery, making it a safer option with minimal discomfort.
- Long-lasting relief: Many patients experience significant improvement in dry eye symptoms for up to a year or longer after just one treatment.
- Reduces dependence on drops: Patients may find they rely less on artificial tears and other lubricating eye drops after treatment.
Disadvantages
- Temporary discomfort: Some individuals may experience temporary discomfort or eye irritation immediately following the procedure.
- Not a cure: While LipiFlow can provide significant relief, it’s not a cure for dry eye disease, and some patients may require repeat treatments.
- Not suitable for everyone: It may not be effective for all types of dry eye, particularly those not related to Meibomian gland dysfunction.
LipiFlow is generally considered safe, but like any medical procedure, it carries some risks, though they are minimal. Potential risks include:
- Eye discomfort: Some patients may experience temporary discomfort or a sensation of pressure during the procedure.
- Redness and swelling: Mild redness or swelling of the eyelids may occur immediately after the treatment but usually resolves quickly.
- Temporary blurred vision: There may be transient blurred vision following the procedure, which typically clears within a day.
- Corneal damage: Though rare, there’s a slight risk of corneal abrasion due to the device’s contact with the eye’s surface.
- Not effective for all: In some cases, patients might not experience significant improvement in their symptoms, particularly if their dry eye condition is not primarily due to Meibomian gland dysfunction.
- Artificial tears – The most common treatment is artificial teardrops that help make up for the lack of natural lubricating tears. Artificial tear products come in liquid form, longer-lasting gel form and long-lasting ointment form, which are commonly recommended for nighttime use. Many different brands of artificial tears are available over-the-counter. Some contain preservatives, and some do not.
- Eye inserts – If you have moderate to severe dry eye symptoms and artificial tears don’t help, another option may be a tiny eye insert that looks like a clear grain of rice. Once a day, you place the insert between your lower eyelid and your eyeball. The insert dissolves slowly, releasing a substance that’s used in eye drops to lubricate your eye.
- Some people with severe dry eyes may opt for special contact lenses that protect the surface of the eyes and trap moisture. These are called scleral lenses or bandage lenses.
- Evaluation and diagnosis: The first step is a thorough examination by an eye care professional to diagnose MGD and determine if LipiFlow is an appropriate treatment. This may involve tests to assess the quality and quantity of your tear film and the function of your Meibomian glands.
- Preparation: Before the procedure, the eye area is cleaned, and you may be given eye drops to ensure comfort. The LipiFlow device requires no special preparation from the patient beyond standard pre-treatment instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
- Activator placement: The LipiFlow treatment uses a disposable activator, which is a soft, flexible eyepiece that fits over the cornea and under the eyelids. It’s designed to protect the delicate surfaces of your eye while applying controlled warmth and gentle pressure to the eyelids.
- Application of heat and massage: Once the activator is in place, the LipiFlow device applies controlled heat to the inner eyelids, warming the blocked Meibomian glands. Simultaneously, it applies gentle pressure to the outer eyelids, massaging them to release the clogged oil. This combination helps to clear the blockages and restore normal gland function.
- Completion: The entire LipiFlow treatment takes about 12 minutes to complete. After the procedure, the activator is removed, and you can resume most activities almost immediately. Some patients may experience temporary blurring of vision or mild discomfort, but these symptoms usually subside quickly.
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Get in touch
Understanding the right treatment for your eyes starts with a straightforward conversation. Contact our welcoming team on +44 20 7112 4921, or book a complimentary video appointment through our online booking system.
We’ll meet
During your assessment, we’re here to listen and provide clear, tailored advice based on your individual lifestyle needs. You’ll walk away with a solid understanding of the most suitable eye treatment for your unique situation.
Enjoy freedom
Following your treatment, countless individuals have shared their joy with us, celebrating the remarkable clarity and freedom they’ve achieved. Many express a sense of rejuvenation and often say they wish they’d made the decision sooner.
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Sharmina Khan
MBBS(Lond) MSc FHEA FRCOphth DipCRS CertLRS, Consultant Eye Surgeon
Hi, I’m Sharmina Khan
I am a specialist Cataract & Lens Consultant Surgeon based in London at Moorfields Private Eye Hospital.
I have carried out over 7000+ cataract/lens procedures in the last 10 years across both my private and NHS practices.
In my private clinic I offer my clients bespoke Premium Cataract Care Pathways. There are options so that you can achieve your dreams of better vision and more, according to your lifestyle needs.
