LipiFlow® Treatment for Dry Eyes
What Is LipiFlow®?
LipiFlow® is an FDA-approved thermal pulsation treatment that combines gentle heat and therapeutic pressure to safely and effectively clear blocked meibomian glands in the eyelids. These glands are responsible for producing the oils (lipids) that keep your tears from evaporating too quickly. When they become clogged or dysfunctional, the tear film becomes unstable—leading to the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye.
Key Benefits of LipiFlow®:
Treats the root cause of evaporative dry eye
Comfortable, non-invasive, and performed in-office
No downtime—most patients return to normal activities the same day
Results that improve over weeks as the glands begin functioning normally again
Can reduce dependency on artificial tears or daily lid hygiene alone
Is LipiFlow® Right for You?
LipiFlow® is ideal for patients diagnosed with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, especially those who haven’t found relief with at-home treatments like warm compresses or eye drops. Dr. Lillie Mosaddegh will perform a detailed dry eye evaluation—including gland imaging and tear film analysis—to determine if LipiFlow® is appropriate for your condition.
How Does It Work?
During the LipiFlow® procedure, a sterile, single-use eyepiece is placed on the eye. It applies controlled heat to the inner eyelid while simultaneously delivering gentle pulsating pressure to the outer lid. This combination loosens and clears blockages, restoring natural oil flow and improving tear film stability—all in about 12 minutes per eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
LipiFlow® is an FDA-approved, in-office treatment for dry eye caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). It uses controlled heat and gentle pulsating pressure to clear blocked oil glands in the eyelids, helping restore a healthier tear film and reduce evaporative dry eye symptoms.
LipiFlow® treatment is generally well tolerated. Most patients describe it as a warm, gentle massage on the eyelids. The treatment usually takes about 12 minutes per eye and does not require anesthesia or sedation.
No downtime is usually required after LipiFlow® dry eye treatment. Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Mild temporary redness or blurred vision may occur and typically improves quickly.
Results vary based on the severity of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, eyelid health, screen habits, and ongoing care. Many patients benefit for several months, and some may need maintenance treatment as part of a long-term dry eye treatment plan.
The best way to know is through a comprehensive dry eye evaluation in San Francisco. At Mosaddegh Eye Institute, Dr. Lillie Mosaddegh evaluates your tear film, eyelids, meibomian glands, symptoms, and treatment history to determine whether LipiFlow® is appropriate for your condition.
