LIPIFLOW ® / IPL / TEAR PLUGS
LIPIFLOW THERMAL / INTENSE PULSED LIGHT (IPL)
Revitalize the Meibomian glands (MGD) / Reduce skin and eyelids inflammation / Increase the eye’s tear film
DETAILS OF THIS VISION CORRECTION
More than 340 million people worldwide suffer from dry eyes. People with this problem may be more sensitive to certain conditions, such as dry climate, air conditioning, intensive use of screens, reading and other daily activities that can have a long-term effect on our eye health. Depending on your eye assessment, you may need one or more of these techniques.
Lipiflow ®
To treat Meibomian gland dysfunction (DGM)
The Meibomian glands, located in the eyelids, produce the lipid (oil) layer that helps protect the surface of the eye from disease and prevents evaporation of the aqueous (water) portion of tears when your eyes are open.
This procedure involves clearing these blocked glands, enabling them to function properly and secrete the oils that form the protective surface lipid layer of the tear film.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
To relieve dry and itchy eyes
IPL is a technology used for a variety of skin treatments. This technology effectively and gently treats inflammation of the skin and eyelids, in complete safety, adapting the treatment to the type and condition of the skin, while improving its overall appearance and eye discomfort.
Light pulses penetrate tissues, targeting the abnormal blood vessels at the root of inflammation. The body’s natural reaction to the treatment is to remove the abnormal vessels and heal the inflammation threatening the skin and eyelids.
Tear Plugs
To increase eye tear film and surface moisture
These small, biocompatible plugs of the size of a grain of rice are used in the natural opening of the lacrimal point to slow drainage.
They increase the eye’s tear film and surface moisture to help relieve some forms of dry eye.
STEPS AND FOLLOW-UP
In your nurse’s care from start to finish for professional and reassuring care.
- At your initial consultation, you’ll be asked to complete a medical questionnaire.
- Afterwards, screening tests will be performed and a meeting with the nurse will follow.
- The nurse will inform you of the benefits, risks and possible complications of the recommended treatment, based on your visual condition.
- This is the ideal time to ask any questions you may have.
- Some treatments can be performed on the same day as your visit.
LIPIFLOW®: 20 minutes
LipiFlow® activators are sterile, single-use devices that enable heat to be applied safely and comfortably to the inner and outer surfaces of the eyelids simultaneously with intermittent therapeutic massages, thus clearing ostruated Meibomian glands. The activators are contoured to prevent contact with the cornea, protecting the delicate structures of the eye.
Following the application of anaesthetic drops, the treatment is started. After this, the glands resume their production of oils or lipids. These lipids are essential for a healthy tear film, stable vision and ocular comfort. The maximum effect is usually felt 6 to 8 weeks after treatment.
IPL: 15 minutes
For greater comfort, your nurse will apply a gel to the treatment area. Your eyes will be protected by protective shells for the duration of the treatment.
During the session, you may experience a tingling sensation as the light is applied to the skin, but the treatment is gentle and you should not feel any discomfort. Treatment may require several sessions (3 to 4 minimum).
TEAR PLUGS: 5 minutes
The treatment is very gentle, with no need for anesthesia or medication. The professional simply inserts the tear plug into the duct and makes sure it fits properly.
Your post-treatment visit will enable your nurse to ensure that your eyes have responded well to the treatment. Thereafter, it will be important to see you again 3 months post-treatment to see the results. Future follow-ups will depend on the progress of your dry eyes.