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What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)?

Eyes need constant moisture to stay healthy. Blinking helps your eyes stay hydrated because each blink distributes a tear film on the surface of the eye. The tear film contains an oil called meibum that is produced by your eye’s meibomian glands. When the meibomian glands do not function properly, usually due to blockage, it causes Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and the eyes do not get the moisture that they need. It is estimated that more than Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Distribution of aqueous-deficient and evaporative dry eye in a clinic-based patient cohort: a retrospective study Lemp MA, Crews LA, Bron AJ, Foulks GN, Sullivan BD Go to Source 85% of people who experience dry eye symptoms have MGD.

ilux device

How Does iLux Work to Treat Dry Eyes?

iLux is a minimally invasive solution that is FDA-approved to give relief from dry eyes. This innovative procedure uses gentle pressure and soothing heat to remove blockages from the meibomian glands. Clinical studies show that iLux can significantly improve meibomian gland function and alleviate uncomfortable Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Comparison of the iLUX and the LipiFlow for the Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Symptoms: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Clin Ophthalmol Title Tauber J, Owen J, Bloomenstein M, Hovanesian J, Bullimore MA Go to Source dry eye symptoms .

What to Expect from Your iLux Treatment

Before Your Treatment

You should contact us for a consultation appointment if you are experiencing dry eye symptoms, like redness, excessive tearing, or an irritated and gritty feeling. One of our dry eye specialists will evaluate your eyes to determine if you have MGD and let you know if iLux may be right for you.

During Your Treatment

iLux is non-surgical and treatment usually takes less than 15 minutes. Your eye doctor will place the iLux device over your eyelid and you will feel warmth and gentle pressure. Your eye doctor will then remove any excess meibum oil. Patients do not typically find this treatment to be painful or uncomfortable—some even say it is like a warm massage!

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After Your Treatment

You will notice some immediate relief in your dry eye symptoms with continual improvement in the weeks after treatment. No downtime or special recovery steps are needed after treatment.

Contact Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute for iLux

The team at Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute is dedicated to improving eye health. If dry eye symptoms are getting in the way of enjoying things you love or working comfortably, we can help! Contact us today with any questions or to schedule a consultation appointment.

Trused Source Icon - Checkbox Sources

1 Lemp MA, Crews LA, Bron AJ, Foulks GN, Sullivan BD. Distribution of aqueous-deficient and evaporative dry eye in a clinic-based patient cohort: a retrospective study. Cornea. 2012;31(5):472–478. doi:10.1097/ICO.0b013e318225415a.

2 Tauber J, Owen J, Bloomenstein M, Hovanesian J, Bullimore MA. Comparison of the iLUX and the LipiFlow for the Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Symptoms: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Clin Ophthalmol. 2020;14:405-418

The doctors at Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.

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