The Science of Treating Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Evaporative Dry Eye
LipiFlow utilizes innovative engineering technology to deliver precisely controlled and directed heat and intermittent pressure to the obstructed meibomian glands.
The LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System is a significant technological shift in dry eye treatment. It applies novel engineering solutions to the long-accepted basic science of gland expression, effectively relieving obstruction of the meibomian glands and allowing the body’s natural production of lipids to resume.
- For the first time, thermodynamic energy is delicately applied directly to the relevant inner lid surfaces to directly treat the meibomian glands simultaneously, while protecting the cornea.
- Additionally, the mechanism required to deliver this energy is completely contained in the disposable eyepiece attached to the LipiFlow Control System.
Safety consideration for treating Evaporative Dry Eye
The LipiFlow has been designed with consideration of the requirements for both effectiveness and safety.
The Disposable is a sterile, single-use, biocompatible component for the treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, and features a combined eye cup and lid warmer.
The eye cup contacts the outer eyelid and contains a soft, flexible bladder that intermittently inflates in a controlled pressure profile to provide precise levels of pressure to the eyelids.
The lid warmer contacts the inner eyelid surface and provides controlled, outward directional warmth. It is shaped to vault above the cornea to prevent corneal contact, and rests on the conjunctiva of the eye, similar to a scleral lens. The lid warmer has an integrated insulator to shield the eye from thermal transfer, and redundant temperature sensors to ensure accurate control of the temperature at the eyelid surface.