Picture this: Waking up every day, never having to worry about your irritating (even debilitating) Dry Eye symptoms.

Wouldn’t that be something to cheer about? LipiFlow is a non-invasive treatment for individuals who suffer from Dry Eye and MGD symptoms. Sounds amazing! But, just how long does LipiFlow last? What is the cost of this procedure, and what side effects are to be expected?

According to HealthLine, an estimated 4.88 million Americans suffer from Dry Eye symptoms. With LipiFlow, you don’t have to suffer any longer. We gathered all the information you will need if you’re considering LipiFlow treatments.

What is LipiFlow? More importantly, does LipiFlow work?

LipiFlow treatment is used for those who suffer from evaporative dry eye and MGD. The results provide extended relief from dry eyes. In the United States, approximately 86% of those diagnosed with Dry Eye actually have symptoms caused by MGD (see below for definition). Studies show that 98% of patients who receive LipiFlow are extremely satisfied with the results. So, does LipiFlow work? Absolutely.

What is Evaporative Dry Eye?

Evaporative Dry Eye is a chronic condition, usually caused by an insufficient lipid layer in the tear film of the eye. This deficiency may also result from chronically blocked Meibomian glands within your eyelid. This reaction is referred to as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD, for short).

What may increase your Dry Eye symptoms?

• LIFESTYLE HABITS – Smoking, diet and participating in eye straining activities may contribute to Dry Eye symptoms.
• WATCHING TV / READING – It is proven that if you spend an extended amount of time watching TV or reading without taking breaks, you’re likely to hinder a healthy blink rate.
• POOR BLINKING RATES – Dry Eye symptoms increase significantly when you have a poor blinking rate, or if you are experiencing trouble fully closing the eyes. Blinking naturally activates the meibomian glands, to keep eyes hydrated.
• EYE SURGERY – When you undergo eye surgery, the surface of the eyes becomes compromised. This can lead to worse Dry Eye symptoms. Untreated MGD will worsen a compromised eye surface.
• CONTACT LENS WEAR – Regular contact wearers are more likely to experience Dry Eye symptoms. The presence of contact lenses will interrupt tear production, as well as accelerate the progression of MGD.
• GLAUCOMA AND MEDICATIONS – More than 40% of patients with Glaucoma experience Dry Eye symptoms. This is due to the medications prescribed for the treatment of Glaucoma.
• USE OF COMPUTER / PHONE SCREENS / DEVICES – In this day and age, we rely on technology such as our smart phones and computer screens. Because of this, we tend to blink significantly less often. This hinders the function of meibomian glands, eventually leading to permanent damage of the gland structure.
• ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE – The presence of wind, smoke or dry air flow guarantees an increase in Dry Eye symptoms. If you live in a climate where the weather frequently changes, you are likely to increase eye discomfort. Air-conditioning or the use of a space heater can also contribute to Dry Eye symptoms when indoors.

Dry Eye Symptom Treatments

Most treatments for Dry Eye symptoms will only provide short-term relief. However, some patients are able to experience substantial improvement with the use of certain prescription medications. For best results, you should consult with a doctor to ensure you are receiving proper treatment for your symptoms.

That said, here are a few options for immediate relief of Dry Eye symptoms:

• Increase the amount of Omega 3 Fish Oils you consume on a daily basis. Some patients with Dry Eye have reported experiencing relief from negative symptoms after taking added Omega 3 Fish Oil supplements. This is due to the Omega 3’s ability to suppress inflammation and irritation.
• Eyelid maintenance is key, especially if you wear makeup on your eyes. Use eyelid scrubs to remove debris from the lid margin.
• Applying a hot compress may be the most simple, but effective, at-home treatment for Dry Eye. The warm/hot compress works by heating the eyelid surface, providing temporary relief.
• Punctal Plugs are small devices inserted into the tear duct. They work by increasing the amount of tears which flow through your eyes.
• Gland expression aids in clearing the waxy deposits along meibomian glands, allowing the glands to start working again.
• Last, but not least, the use of eye drops. Both over-the-counter and prescription drops can offer temporary comfort for Dry Eye symptoms.

The leading cause for Dry Eye, and the only way to get long-term relief

The only sure-fire way to get long-lasting relief from Dry Eye, is by treating MGD with LipiFlow. Currently, LipiFlow is the only electronic device cleared by the U.S. FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) for treatment of MGD. Clinical studies have demonstrated safety and effectiveness in patients who receive LipiFlow. Vectored Thermal Pulsation technology, paired with a patented algorithm of precise heat, is what sets LipiFlow apart. The process consists of a gentle massage with applied heat to remove blockages in the meibomian glands.

How much does LipiFlow cost? Is LipiFlow covered by Medicare?

For patients who’ve been diagnosed with Chronic Dry Eye problems, such as MGD (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction), do not continue suffering from the discomfort of dry eyes any longer. LipiFlow is a non-invasive procedure used to unclog blocked meibomian glands. Resulting in significant relief of Dry Eye symptoms. As stated before, this technology is approved to give safe results by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The average cost for this procedure ranges anywhere from $300-$700 per eye. Visit your doctor for the most accurate cost estimate in your area.

It is important to note that the LipiFlow procedure is not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. In fact, it is not covered by any government healthcare program, and is normally not covered by private insurance providers. That said, your doctors office may offer financing options or payment plans, making this procedure affordable for almost everyone.

Side Effects of the LipiFlow Procedure

In a controlled clinical trial, the majority of patients who received LipiFlow treatments reported an improvement in overall Dry Eye symptoms at 4 weeks post treatment.

If you recently had eye surgery, an eye injury, herpes of the eye or chronic eye inflammation, you would not be a qualified candidate for LipiFlow. Because each individual has a unique set of eyes, LipiFlow may not be the right solution for everybody. Some other possible side effects include excessive redness, burning sensations, stinging, discharge, blurry vision, dryness and an increased sensitivity to light.

How long will the benefits of the LipiFlow treatment last?

As you know, results and outcomes vary from person to person. For some, it may take several weeks to feel the full effect of symptom relief. For others, it may only take a few days to achieve results. On average, a single LipiFlow treatment will last up to 2 years. It’s important to realize that Dry Eye is a chronic disease, and LipiFlow is not the cure for it. However, the goal of Lipiflow is to restore natural oil production, improve symptoms, and help prevent the progression of Chronic Dry Eye. You may, or may not, need repeated LipiFlow treatments to reach your desired result.

Don’t let Dry Eye hinder you from enjoying every day to the fullest. LipiFlow treatments can restore and renew your quality of life.