Lipiflow® Thermal Pulsation System

What is LipiFlow?

LipiFlow® is a thermal pulsation system designed to treat meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) – a major cause of evaporative dry eye.

It uses controlled heat and gentle pulsatile pressure to soften and express thickened meibum obstructing the meibomian glands, helping restore the oils needed for a stable tear film.

What does the evidence show?

Clinical studies consistently demonstrate improvements in MGD signs and dry eye symptoms following LipiFlow treatment, with benefits sometimes lasting for many months.

However, the evidence does not establish that LipiFlow is consistently superior to a well-executed warm compress and expression regimen. The 2024 Cochrane review found benefits in dry eye outcomes, but rated the certainty of evidence as low to very low.

LipiFlow’s main practical advantage is consistency and reproducibility – delivering a controlled treatment that is difficult for most patients to replicate at home.

Is LipiFlow right for you?

LipiFlow is most suitable when obstructive MGD and functioning meibomian glands are present. It may be particularly useful when home treatment has been difficult to maintain or conventional therapy has not adequately relieved gland obstruction.

LipiFlow can also be combined with IPL or other treatments when clinically appropriate.

Treatment takes approximately 12 minutes per eye, is generally comfortable and requires no significant downtime.

References.

Zhu M, et al. International Ophthalmology. 2023;43(4):1175–1184.

Blackie CA, et al. LipiFlow and the transformation of therapeutic meibomian gland expression. 2024.

Pucker AD, et al. LipiFlow for the treatment of dry eye disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2024;2:CD015448.

QUICK LINKS