Treatment for Dry Eye

LipiFlow

Thermal pulsation therapy that clears blocked oil glands in your eyelids

LipiFlow is an in-office treatment that applies gentle heat and pressure to your eyelids to clear blocked meibomian glands. These glands produce the oil layer of your tears that prevents them from evaporating too quickly. When these glands get clogged, your tears become unstable and dry eye symptoms worsen. LipiFlow helps restore healthy oil flow by warming and expressing the glands in a single 12-minute treatment session.

How it works

Your meibomian glands line the inside of your eyelids and release oils every time you blink. When these glands become blocked with thickened oil, they can't do their job properly. This leads to faster tear evaporation and dry, irritated eyes.

LipiFlow uses a device that fits over and under your eyelids like a soft shell. It applies precisely controlled heat to the inner eyelid (where the glands are) while simultaneously applying gentle pulsating pressure to the outer eyelid. This combination melts the blockages and helps express the hardened oils from the glands, restoring healthier oil flow.

Animation showing LipiFlow device applying heat and pressure to clear blocked meibomian glands

Is this right for me?

This may be considered if you have:

  • Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) confirmed by your eye doctor
  • Evaporative dry eye — your tears evaporate too quickly
  • Dry eye symptoms that haven't improved enough with warm compresses and lid hygiene
  • Gland imaging showing blocked or atrophied meibomian glands

It may not be a good fit if you have:

  • Severe meibomian gland atrophy — if glands are too damaged, they may not respond
  • Active eye infection or significant inflammation that needs treatment first
  • Recent eye surgery or trauma affecting the eyelids
  • Certain eyelid conditions that could be worsened by heat or pressure

Your eye doctor can use imaging to evaluate your meibomian glands and determine if LipiFlow could help restore their function.

What to expect

1

Before

  • •Your doctor will evaluate your meibomian glands, often using imaging
  • •Remove contact lenses before your appointment
  • •No special preparation is typically needed
2

During

The treatment takes about 12 minutes total. After numbing drops, soft single-use activators are placed on your eyelids. You'll feel gentle warmth and light pressure as the device works. Most patients find it comfortable — some even relaxing. You can typically return to normal activities, including contact lens wear, the same day.

3

After

  • •Results may be noticeable within days to weeks as oil flow improves
  • •Some patients need only one treatment; others may benefit from repeat sessions
  • •Continue good lid hygiene to maintain results
  • •Your doctor will monitor your gland function at follow-up visits
LipiFlow is FDA-cleared and has a strong safety profile when performed by trained professionals. Rare side effects may include temporary eyelid discomfort or redness. It's not recommended for patients with certain eyelid or eye surface conditions.

Frequently asked questions

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Sources

Information on this page is based on the following authoritative sources:

Last updated: April 2026