Lipiflow: A Dry Eye Treatment
If you suffer from dry eye, you're not alone. It's estimated that five million Americans experience dry eye each year. While several over-the-counter treatments are available, many people find they don't provide relief. If you're struggling, you may want to consider Lipiflow.
At Eye Care Center LTD in Addison , Burbank, and Willowbrook, IL, we are proud to provide Lipiflow as an optometry treatment option for our patients suffering from dry eye. Lipiflow effectively provides dry eye relief for those who have tried other treatments without success.
What is Lipiflow?
Lipiflow is a dry eye treatment, a condition that occurs when the tear ducts do not produce enough tears to keep the eyes lubricated. The treatment involves using a device to apply heat and pressure to the eyelids, which helps open the tear ducts and increase tear production.
Lipiflow is a safe and effective optometry treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), the most common cause of dry eye. MGD occurs when the glands that produce tears become blocked. This blockage can happen for several reasons, including age, hormones, or medications.
The Lipiflow treatment takes just 12 minutes per eye and is painless. Most patients see an improvement in their dry eye symptoms within a few weeks of treatment. Part of dry eye treatment may involve using Prokera Amniotic Membranes. Prokera is a thin, clear disc placed on the eye for a short period. This membrane helps protect the eye and promote recovery.
Why Are Tears Important?
Tears are essential for keeping the eyes lubricated and healthy. They wash away dirt and debris and provide the eyes with nutrients and oxygen. In addition, they protect the eyes from infection and create a barrier between the eyes and the outside world. If you suffer from dry eye, you may experience several symptoms, including:
- Eye fatigue
- Eye irritation
- A feeling of grittiness or sandiness in the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Redness
- Blurred vision
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we encourage you to search for an "eye doctor near me" and book an appointment with one of our optometrists. A search for "eye doctor near me in Addison , Burbank, and Willowbrook, IL" should bring up our website.
How Often Do I Need the Lipiflow Treatment?
Most patients only need the Lipiflow treatment once. However, some patients may need the medicine more than once if their dry eye symptoms return.
Does Insurance Cover Lipiflow?
The majority of insurance companies cover Lipiflow. However, we encourage you to check with your insurance provider to see if the treatment is covered.
What Are the Side Effects of Lipiflow?
The most common side effect of Lipiflow is temporary redness and swelling of the eyes. This side effect usually goes away within a few days. However, some patients also experience temporary discomfort during the treatment.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Eye Doctors
Dry eye is common, but that doesn't mean you must live with the symptoms. If you've tried over-the-counter treatments without success, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our optometrists. At Eye Care Center LTD, we are proud to provide Lipiflow as a dry eye relief option for our patients. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment. Call our Addison office at (630) 543-0607, Burbank office (708) 599-0050, or our Willowbrook office(630) 969-2807.