LipiScan & LipiFlow | Treatment of Dry Eye from MGD
May 22, 2017
Treatment of dry eye syndrome can vary depending upon the cause of your dry eye. Many people suffer from dry eye due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD leads to rapid evaporation of your tears, thus causing dry eye syndrome.
If you have dry eye related to meibomian gland dysfunction, we offer LipiScan and LipiFlow to accurately diagnose and treat MGD.
Treatment of your dry eye is critical if you are considering LASIK, the Raindrop Inlay or another vision correction procedure.
Diagnosis and treatment of dry eye syndrome due to MGD is important:
- Before cataract surgery to allow accurate measurements for IOL calculations
- For contact lens patients where MGD can develop
- Patients with recurrent styes, rosacea and blepharitis
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
Meibomian glands are located in your eye lids. They secrete an oily substance which coats the tear film covering the eye and prevents evaporation of your tears. Your tears keep the cornea of your eye moist, clear and smooth.
Dry eye caused by MGD occurs when there is insufficient secretion of meibum, the oily substance, due to either physical blockage of the glands or to malfunctions in the glands themselves. Insufficient oil allows more rapid evaporation of your tears.
Diagnosis of MGD | LipiScan
The diagnosis if meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is made by thorough clinical examination. LipiScan complements my ability to diagnose and treat patients with suspected MGD.
The diagnosis of MGD can be aided with LipiScan. LipiScan allows us to directly view the health of your meibomian glands in high definition. LipiScan has revolutionized the diagnosis of dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction.
This simple diagnostic test is easily and comfortably performed in our office. I will review and discuss the results with you. Best of all, I can show you the dysfunctioning glands.
LipiFlow for the Treatment of MGD
LipiFlow is FDA approved for the treatment of dry eye syndrome caused by meibomian gland dysfunction. LipiFlow directly treats the meibomian glands by using a combination of gentle massage and heat to improve the quality of the meibomian gland secretions.
LipiFlow is a “dropless” treatment for dry eye and, in many of our patients, avoids the inconvenience of daily eye drops. LipiFlow is painlessly performed in the office and can be repeated if needed. It does not require any medications and is a safe and comfortable 12 minute "in-office" procedure.
Whitten Laser Eye centers are one of the few in the region offering LipiScan and LipiFlow.
Many of our patients, who are considering LASIK or the Raindrop Near Vision Inlay, suffer from chronic dry eye. If you are considering a vision correction procedure, call to schedule a dry eye evaluation at any of the Whitten Laser Eye offices or simply give us a call (301.825.5755).
I look forward to meeting you.
Shilpa Rose, M.D.
Vision Correction & Dry Eye Specialist