Treating Dry Eyes with iLux
Chronic dry eyes can be a very uncomfortable and frustrating problem to endure. iLux dry eye treatment targets one cause of dry eye that is common to many patients: meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Chronic dry eyes can be a very uncomfortable and frustrating problem to endure. iLux dry eye treatment targets one cause of dry eye that is common to many patients: meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Our eyes depend on receiving a steady coating of “tear film” to remain protected, lubricated and comfortable. This film consists of a mixture of water, mucus, and an oily substance called “meibum.” (It might not sound like an appealing concoction, but it’s very important to our eye health.)
Meibum (named after the doctor who first widely studied it), is produced by glands within the upper and lower eyelids. Under normal circumstances, the meibomian glands produce a steady amount of oil for our eyes’ needs.
Should anything affect the quantity or quality of the meibum being produced, however, it can lead to MGD. In most cases, the glands themselves become clogged, leading to less oil making it into the tear film. Without as much oil, moisture on the eye evaporates more quickly and leads to dryness.
iLux can address the problem of blocked meibomian glands, restoring better moisture to the eyes and improving comfort.
The iLux is a handheld instrument that is easily used by the doctor or technician to treat patients with MGD. The iLux safely applies heat and pressure to the eyelids to express the meibomian glands and remove blockages.
The iLux device is set into position against the upper or lower eyelid. A soft, silicone pad helps ensure comfort during the process.
Light-based heat is applied to the eyelid, melting the oil within the meibomian glands. Gentle pressure then helps ease the melted oil out of the glands to clear them. Both the heat and pressure are strictly controlled, and we can directly view the glands to verify that the treatment is working. If adjustments need to be made for any reason, we can easily make them.
The upper and lower eyelid of each eye is treated individually. The total treatment time for both eyes typically runs 8-12 minutes. If certain areas are proving more difficult to treat, we can return to them until the oils have been fully expressed.
If dry eyes are regularly distracting you from work, hobbies, and daily life in general, we can help you find the sources of the dryness and the most effective treatments for combatting them. We have helped patients overcome many different eye conditions, and can help you as well.
If you’re drowning your eyes in eyedrops or just trying to grin and bear the irritation throughout the day, there may be alternatives that better suit your condition and needs. Schedule an appointment at our Mattawan office by giving us a call or filling out our online contact form.
