LipiFlow Wilmington – Dry Eye Treatment – Delaware Eye Surgeons
If you are experiencing eye dryness, irritation, light sensitivity, vision fluctuations, contact lens intolerance and eye fatigue, you may be a candidate for one of our dry eye treatments. Tear quality is essential for good eye health. We have a state-of-the-art TearLab Osmolarity System that helps diagnose dry eyes and the eyes response to the treatment. Delaware Eye Surgeons are leading pioneers of Dry Eye Therapy. We have spearheaded studies with Omega3 fish oil that helped lead to a patent for PRN Dry Eye Omega. Dry eye symptoms are caused by a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye due to inflammation of the meibomian glands. This lack of lubrication can cause persistent dryness, irritation, tearing and burning in the eyes or a “foreign body sensation”. Improving the omega-3-lipid component of the tear leads to better tear composition and better lubrication for the eye.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition analyzed data from an ongoing women’s health study. Women who ate a daily intake of omega-3s EPA and DHA in a natural triglyceride form reduced the risk of dry eye syndrome by up to 66 percent. Dr. Smith and Dr. Simmerman have conducted several in office dry eye studies and have found that 70% of their patients with dry eye issues have been resolved with omega 3 in re-triglyceride form. For more information on omega 3 fish oil, click here. For the 30% of patients who do not respond to omegas alone, we devise a combined treatment plan for your specific dry eye disease.
We also offer LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation Therapy for evaporative dry eye syndrome.
Of millions of people in the U.S. that suffer from dry eye, the majority have evaporative dry eye, which stems from a deficiency in the oil (lipid) layer of the eye’s tear film. The lipid deficiency is due to blockages in the Meibomian glands located in the eyelids. The lipids serve to protect the water (aqueous) layer of tears so that the tears do not evaporate too quickly.
Treat the Cause of Evaporative Dry Eye
LipiFlow® therapy consists of the application of localized heat and pressure to the eyelids in patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), also known as evaporative dry eye or lipid-deficient dry eye.
Unlike traditional treatments (e.g., warm compresses, wetting drops and ointments) that address dry eye symptoms, LipiFlow® treats the root cause – the obstructed Meibomian glands. If left untreated, dry eye can lead to further ocular deterioration and additional problems. The goal of unblocking the glands is to allow them to resume the natural production of lipids required for a healthy tear film. LipiFlow® treatments can only be provided by a licensed physician.
How LipiFlow® Works
- LipiFlow® uses a disposable eye piece to apply controlled heat to the inner eyelids and intermittent gentle pressure to the outer eyelid.
- LipiFlow® facilitates the release of lipids from the blocked Meibomian glands, allowing the natural flow of lipids to resume.
- LipiFlow® is an in-office procedure that takes approximately 20 minutes. Both eyes can be treated simultaneously.
What to Expect from LipiFlow
In a controlled clinical trial, the majority of patients treated with LipiFlow® reported an improvement in overall dry eye symptoms at four weeks post-treatment.
You would not be a candidate for LipiFlow® if you recently had eye surgery, an eye injury, herpes of the eye or chronic eye inflammation. LipiFlow may not fit all eyes. Possible side effects from LipiFlow® include redness, burning, stinging, discharge, blurred vision, dryness and sensitivity to light. Talk to your doctor about the benefits, safety and risks of LipiFlow®.
If dry eye is hindering you from the activities you love, we are here to help. Please contact Delaware Eye Surgeons to schedule your appointment for a dry eye assessment.
