Dry Eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

Our doctors are skilled at providing comprehensive dry eye evaluations to recommend the best treatment plan for your dry eye symptoms. Nearly 29 million people in the U.S. alone suffer from symptoms related to dry eyes. These symptoms may include stinging, burning, watering, redness, blurry vision, a scratchy or gritty sensation, and/or difficulty wearing contact lenses. Many commonly attribute their eye discomfort to dry eye, when a leading cause of the burning, scratching and redness is due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction or MGD.

MGD occurs when there is a compromise to the function and/or structure of the meibomian glands in your eyelids. There are approximately 25-40 glands in your upper eyelid and 20-30 glands in your lower eyelid. These glands produce the oily (lipid) layer of the tear film. This oil helps protect the surface of the eye from disease and prevents the watery part of the tears from evaporating when your eyes are open. Without these oils, the eyes become more susceptible to the negative effects that dry climates, air conditioning, heating systems, computer use, reading, and other daily activities can have on the long-term health of our eyes. 

Treating MGD with LipiFlow®

South Pasadena Optometric Group is one of the only practices in the area to offer cutting-edge technology for the diagnosis and treatment of MGD in the form of LipiFlow®. LipiFlow® is a treatment designed to remove blockages from the meibomian glands, allowing them to properly function and produce the oils that make up the protective lipid layer of the tear film. LipiFlow® is supported by more than 30 patents with studies demonstrating its safe and effective results. 

LipiFlow® is a 12 minute in-office procedure that is well tolerated by patients. It involves the use of sterile, single-use applicators which deliver gentle pressure and heat in and around the eyelids. The combination of gentle massage and heat softens gland blockages to stimulate drainage of the meibomian glands. Once the glands are cleared, they can resume normal oil production and provide fresh, quality tears to give you stable vision and ocular comfort. As normal gland function recovers, you can return to your regular activities, and you should notice an improvement in your dry eye symptoms within eight weeks.

Am I a Candidate for LipiFlow®? 

Our eye doctors provide comprehensive dry eye evaluations to diagnose each and every patient’s particular cause for dry eye. They also check for any other eye health conditions that may exclude you from LipiFlow® treatment. If your dry eye symptoms are due to blocked meibomian glands, our doctors may recommend LipiFlow® treatment to restore your eye health and dry eye symptoms. 

Schedule an appointment with our doctors today to see if you have dry eyes and are a good candidate for LipiFlow®. For more information on dry eye and MGD, Click Here. 

PRN Dry Eye Supplements

Our doctors recommend PRN (Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals) Dry Eye Omega-3 capsules/liquid as a supplement for patients who suffer from dry eyes. This supplement is the only patented dry eye product on the market that has been clinically proven to improve signs and symptoms of dry eyes. These capsules are uniquely formulated to promote optimal absorption of omega-3 throughout your body to improve the quality of your tears and dry eye symptoms. 

Please contact us or visit our office today to purchase PRN dry eye supplements at a discounted eye care physician rate.