LipiFlow
LipiFlow [5] is a combination of warm compression and meibomian gland expression. The lipiflow thermal pulsation system is an automated procedure that can take place in an office. The application of pressure softens hardened meibum to the eyelids with the help of a device. It also helps restore a balanced amount of oils in the tear fills by applying measured pressure to the eyelids to open and free the clogged glands. This procedure takes approximately 12 minutes in each eye. The scientist researched this procedure’s effectiveness and reported that 76% of patients who underwent this procedure had seen improvements in their dry eye symptoms within two weeks of treatment. In some peculiar cases, progress will not be until few months.
The results of the lipiflow procedures could last for one to three years, sometimes even longer. Like every other procedure, it could have side effects if not done correctly; these side effects include pains in the eye, swollen eyelids, eyelids inflammation, blurred vision, cornea abrasion, eye itching and red eyes.