Dry Eyes: Solutions, Part Three

So, I had LipiFlow! It's a 12 minute treatment, FDA approved, which uses thermal pulsating heat to open the meibomian glands. There are about 50 glands in the upper lids and 25 in the lower lids. You can read more here.  

Simply: thick, eye, cup-like contacts were inserted, which protected my eyeballs from the upcoming heat. The outer cups then heated the insides of my eyelids to 108.5 degrees. At the same time, exterior "massaging" pressure helped flush the melting meibum out of the glands. Many of mine are already dead, but the effort is to save and support those glands still working. 

Despite FDA approval, the $1,700 treatment isn't covered by insurance. 

It didn't hurt! Although toward the end it was quite warm. The "massage" feels more like pointed pokes, over and over, but I wouldn't call it pain. It's kind of a facial for your eyelids. 

80% of patients don't need it repeated. I fit the profile for the 20% who do. Some yearly.

That's a quick take for LipiFlow. Now that my glands are empty, it will be about 6 weeks of more dryness before they fill and stabilize. More soon. Back to writing!