Dry eye syndrome, a common and very annoying condition, can be due to a variety of causes. One typical reason for dry eyes is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), which leads to a quicker-than-normal evaporation of your tears. Often, the painful symptoms of dry eye then result, such as burning, itching, a gritty sensation and redness. LipiScan offers precise diagnosis of MGD, and LipiFlow provides effective treatment to bring relief from dry eye irritation. Prokera® treats patients with eye injuries and/or extremely dry eyes with amniotic membranes. 

What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)?

Your Meibomian glands are located in your eyelids, where they secrete an oily fluid that enhances your tear film and slows the evaporation of your tears. This allows the tears to keep your cornea well lubricated for smooth and clear vision.

When the meibomian glands are either blocked or don’t function optimally, the lipid (fatty) layer of your tear film isn’t rich enough to maintain lasting moisture on your eyes. In addition to the rapid evaporation of tears, there is also greater friction between the cornea and eyelids. This is what’s behind the resulting symptoms of eye irritation.

Eye care professionals estimate that approximately 86% of patients diagnosed with dry eye symptoms have a poor quality tear film due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Unfortunately, MGD is chronic and progressive; when left untreated, the symptoms generally worsen.

LipiScan: Precise Diagnosis of MGD

Your eye doctor will perform a thorough clinical exam to diagnose MGD, and the revolutionary LipiScan device upgrades the diagnosis with high definition imaging technology.

LipiScan, from Johnson & Johnson Vision, enables your eye care specialist to view the health of your meibomian glands with optimum accuracy. This diagnostic tool has changed the way medicine diagnoses dry eye syndrome. With efficiency and versatility, LipiScan is a small and lightweight device with a comfortable patient experience. Quick and painless, the procedure takes about one minute to image both lower eyelids.

How does LipiScan work?

Your eye doctor will use LipiScan to assess the structure of your meibomian glands. With dynamic surface illumination and adaptive transillumination technologies, the device creates a fast and intuitive image of your glands. LipiScan generates a multidimensional view that is clear and easy for your optometrist to analyze.

With this new equipment, the cause of dry eye can be identified with high accuracy. Consequently, your eye doctor can now prescribe the most appropriate treatment possible to alleviate your painful dry eye symptoms.

LipiFlow: Dry Eye Treatment

LipiFlow, by Johnson & Johnson Vision, is a Thermal Pulsation System that improves the function of meibomian glands. FDA-approved, safe and totally drug-free, it consists of a console and a single-use sterile Activator tool. Through gentle massage and heat, LipiFlow can enhance the quality of meibomian gland secretions. Eye doctors around the world are equipping their eye care clinics with this breakthrough technology to treat dry eye.

How does LipiFlow work?

Your eye doctor will begin by inserting numbing eye drops to ensure patient comfort. LipiFlow’s contoured eyepiece will then be placed gently over your cornea, vaulting over your eye’s surface in order to protect the delicate ocular structure. LipiFlow applies therapeutic heat and peristaltic energy pressure, with numerous sensors that regulate the temperature and pressure pulses. The combination of massage and heat works to expel any meibomian gland obstructions. The entire in-office procedure takes about 12 minutes.

If you suffer from dry eye, it’s time to find out why – so you can see with clarity and comfort once again! LipiScan is the superior way to diagnose Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, one of the most common causes of Dry Eye Syndrome,and if MGD is the reason for your irritating symptoms, LipiFlow can treat this condition to alleviate your painful vision. Call today to schedule your appointment for a comprehensive eye exam with LipiScan.

Prokera®

Used in damaged or eroded corneas, Prokera® heals the surface of the eye while reducing inflammation. The device is similar to that of a contact lens and contains amniotic tissue, praised for its natural therapeutic properties. Prokera is inserted into the eyes by our Optometrist and removed in 5 to 7 days. The thick ring may be an adjustment, but it will provide relief from the pain associated with dry eye.