iLUX® Dry Eye Treatment
Dry eye is a chronic, progressive, irreversible disease caused by deficiencies in the quantity and quality of meibum or other tear components within the tear film. Dry eye affects over 30 million people in the United States, and 86% of dry eye sufferers are reported to have clinical signs of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). However, less than half of patients with MGD show symptoms, and many MGD sufferers may not even know they have it.
What is MGD?
Every time you blink, a protective layer of moisture called the tear film coats the front surface of your eye. An essential part of the tear film is an oily layer called meibum. MGD occurs when the meibomian glands that produce meibum get blocked or the secreted meibum is of poor quality—leading to evaporative tear loss. MGD can cause dryness, blurry vision, irritation, and watery eyes, and you may need treatment to alleviate the symptoms. The goal of treatment is to unblock the meibomian glands.
Diagnosing MGD
If you regularly use eye drops or have symptoms such as eye dryness and irritation, ask your doctor to evaluate your symptoms. Your doctor will compress your eyelids to assess the level and quality of meibum that is expressed. Healthy meibum is clear and adequate. The more severe the blockage, the thicker and cloudier the meibum appears.
iLUX®: Dry Eye Treatment That Starts At The Source
The iLUX® MGD Thermal Pulsation System delivers treatment directly to the blocked meibomian glands with the goal of clearing the blockages. Therapeutic heat at the optimal temperature is applied to your eyelids. Then, while the oil is thoroughly melted, it is expressed with the precise pressure required. A medical professional will be at your side every step of the way, providing real-time feedback. Treatment of both eyes takes approximately 8 to12 minutes.5 After the glands are unblocked, it will be easier for the meibum to be released naturally.
Treatment with the iLUX® device was shown to significantly reduce dry eye symptoms such as gritty eyes and irritation. 6 In clinical studies, iLUX® was shown to increase meibomian gland function by 300% at 4 weeks post-treatment, compared to baseline.