If you’re dealing with constant dry eyes and irritation, it might not be allergies. Instead, you could be suffering from a common condition known as dry eye syndrome.  

Many cases of dry eye syndrome are caused by issues with the meibomian glands, which line your eyelids and produce the oily layer of your tears. This oil prevents your tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked or stop functioning properly (a condition known as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), your tears can’t do their job, and your eyes feel dry, scratchy, or inflamed. 

Unfortunately, MGD doesn’t always improve with over-the-counter treatments. If you’re experiencing significant discomfort due to dry eyes, the LipiFlow® thermal pulsation system may offer relief. At Pittsburgh Primary Eyecare, we offer this treatment option to improve tear quality and reduce dry eye symptoms.  

What is LipiFlow®? 

Lipiflow® is an FDA-approved, in-office treatment that uses thermal pulsation technology to address a root cause of evaporative dry eye: blocked meibomian glands. The LipiFlow® procedure is quick and comfortable, combining heat and gentle massage to unclog these glands and restore normal oil flow to your tears. 

The entire treatment typically takes about 12 minutes per eye. Most patients describe it as a warm, soothing experience and not painful or invasive. 

How LipiFlow® treatment works 

Here’s what to expect when you come in for LipiFlow® treatment in Pittsburgh: 

• We begin by placing a small, single-use device over your eye. 
• The device delivers controlled heat to the inner eyelid, warming the glands. 
• Gentle pulsations massage the outer eyelid to release blockages and stimulate oil flow. 
• After treatment, your glands can begin functioning more normally again. 

You may not see results instantly, but many patients start noticing an improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks. Full results may take a couple of months as your glands recover and stabilize. 

Is LipiFlow® treatment right for you? 

You may be a suitable candidate for LipiFlow® treatment if: 

• You’ve been diagnosed with meibomian gland dysfunction 
• Your symptoms haven’t improved with artificial tears or warm compresses 
• Our eye doctor sees signs of blocked or atrophied glands during your exam 

The best way to know if you’re a candidate is by coming in for a dry eye evaluation at Pittsburgh Primary Eyecare. We’ll use imaging and gland analysis to determine the most effective treatment plan for your unique eyes. 

Experience relief with LipiFlow® treatment in Pittsburgh 

At Pittsburgh Primary Eyecare, we do more than mask the symptoms of dry eyes; we treat the underlying causes for lasting relief. If you’ve been searching for LipiFlow® treatment near you, our team is here to help. With the LipiFlow® procedure, we can restore comfort to your eyes and help you get back to doing what you love without the distraction of dryness or irritation. 

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and find out if LipiFlow® eye treatment is right for you.