LipiFlow® Treatment
Millions of Americans suffer from dry eye. Dry eye is a chronic condition that can cause the eyes to be red, dry, itchy, and irritated. One of the leading causes of dry eye is blockages within the Meibomian glands, or those that produce oils and tears. Thanks to advanced technology, these types of blockages can now be safely removed with LipiFlow®.
LipiFlow is a non-invasive procedure that effectively clears the glands to alleviate dry eye symptoms. Here, Dr. Walter Choate explains how the LipiFlow device works, and prepares individuals in Nashville, Goodlettsville, and Hendersonville, TN, for what to expect during LipiFlow treatment at our eye care clinic.
LipiFlow Candidates
There are multiple conditions that can cause a person to suffer from dry, itchy eyes and increased sensitivity to light, and they cannot all be treated with LipiFlow. However, if dry eye is the result of blockages within the Meibomian gland, as is often the case, then LipiFlow treatment can be effective.
LipiFlow tends to be especially beneficial for older individuals. Over time oils in the glands can solidify, which makes people more susceptible to obstructions and blockages as they age. Prior to offering LipiFlow treatment, Dr. Choate performs a series of tests to evaluate gland performance. If gland performance is compromised, patients are likely to be ideal candidates for LipiFlow.
What to Expect During Treatment
Lipiflow is a non-invasive procedure that should be completely comfortable for patients. LipiFlow treatment sessions are typically completed in under 15 minutes, which makes them easy to fit into even the busiest of schedules. During treatment the LipiFlow device is applied to the outside of the eyelid. The LipiFlow activators use a combination of heat and light pressure to remove crystalized oils and other obstructions from the glands. The heat and pressure are mild, and should not cause any pain. Most people say that it feels as if the eyes are being gently massaged.
LipiFlow Results
LipiFlow addresses blockages so that oils can flow to the eyes freely. Oils naturally lubricate the eyes and prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. LipiFlow restores eye moisture to alleviate the most common symptoms of dry eye, including irritation, itchiness, light sensitivity, and blurry vision. However, patients should not expect LipiFlow results to be immediately obvious. It can take between six and eight weeks for patients to notice improvement in dry eye symptoms.
Benefits of LipiFlow Treatment
There are many potential treatments to address dry eye symptoms, but LipiFlow is one of the most preferred by doctors. LipiFlow is often favored because of the many benefits that it provides our patients, such as:
- Effectively improves oil production and distribution
- Restores moisture to the eyes
- Improves quality of vision
- Fast and pain-free procedure
Contact Dr. Walter Choate
Dry eye is an uncomfortable condition that can compromise optimal vision. If you are suffering from dry eye and would like to find out if LipiFlow treatment can provide relief, we encourage you to send us a message online, or call (615) 851-7575 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Walter Choate.
