LipiFlow® Treatment for Dry Eye & Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation Treatment is a clinically proven, in-clinic treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), the leading cause of evaporative dry eye disease.
LipiFlow works by gently heating and massaging the eyelids to clear blocked meibomian glands, restore healthy oil (meibum) flow, and stabilise the tear film. It is widely regarded as the global gold standard treatment for obstructed oil glands.
More than 900,000 LipiFlow treatments have been performed worldwide, supported by a strong body of peer-reviewed clinical research demonstrating both effectiveness and safety.
What Does LipiFlow Treat?
LipiFlow is used to treat:
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
- Evaporative dry eye disease
- Dry, gritty, burning or watery eyes
- Contact lens intolerance related to MGD
- Lid margin inflammation (posterior blepharitis)
- Early meibomian gland obstruction or atrophy
It may also be recommended preventatively in patients showing early gland dropout on imaging, even if symptoms are mild.
How Does LipiFlow Work?
The LipiFlow system uses controlled heat and gentle pulsation delivered directly to the eyelids:
- Heat is applied internally to liquefy thickened meibum within the glands
- Gentle, regulated pressure massages the outer eyelid
- Blocked oils are expressed from the gland openings
- Tear film lipid quality improves, reducing evaporation
This approach is significantly more consistent, controlled, and effective than home warm compresses or manual in clinic expression alone.
Unlike traditional treatments, LipiFlow treats both upper and lower eyelids simultaneously during a single 12-minute session.
What Happens During a LipiFlow Treatment?
A LipiFlow appointment at Illume Eye Care typically takes around 30 minutes. During treatment:
- A numbing eye drop is instilled for comfort
- The eyelids and surrounding skin are gently cleansed
- A sterile, single-use LipiFlow activator is positioned on each eye
- The device delivers warmth and pulsation for 12 minutes
You’ll feel warmth and gentle pressure, but no pain. Most patients find LipiFlow more comfortable than traditional heated lid treatments or manual expression.
After treatment, your optometrist will assess the ocular surface and confirm oil release from the glands.
When Will I Notice Results — and How Long Do They Last?
Some patients notice relief within days, but most experience gradual improvement.
Typical Timeline
- Early relief: days to weeks
- Optimal improvement: 8–12 weeks
- Duration of benefit: 9–12 months or longer
Clinical studies show that improvements in gland function and dry eye symptoms seen at one month are maintained at one year (Greiner, Clin Exp Ophthalmol, 2013).
Many patients repeat LipiFlow annually as part of long-term dry eye management.
How Effective Is LipiFlow?
Multiple peer-reviewed studies demonstrate that LipiFlow:
- Improves meibomian gland secretion quality
- Increases tear film stability
- Reduces dry eye symptoms
- Outperforms warm compresses and manual expression alone
A 2022 systematic review of 10 LipiFlow studies reported no significant adverse events, supporting its strong safety profile (Hu et al., Graefe’s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology).
Is LipiFlow Safe?
Yes. LipiFlow has an excellent safety record. Temporary side effects may include:
- Mild lid tenderness for a few hours
- Temporary blurred vision immediately after treatment (from released oils)
These effects are short-lived and do not usually affect driving or daily activities.
Who Should Not Have LipiFlow?
LipiFlow may not be suitable if you have had:
- Eye surgery or injury in the past 3 months
- Active eye infection (including styes or herpes)
- Significant eyelid abnormalities affecting lid position
- Severe corneal surface disease
It has not been formally studied in certain systemic autoimmune conditions or in patients using medications known to cause severe dryness. Your optometrist will assess suitability carefully.
Is LipiFlow a Stand-Alone Treatment?
LipiFlow is not a cure for dry eye, but a powerful foundation treatment to improve meibomain gland flow. Many patients get relief with LipiFlow alone, others get best results when used in combination with other treatments. At Illume Eye Care, it is often combined with:
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
- Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT)
- Lid hygiene protocols
- Omega-3 supplementation
- Targeted lubricating drops
A personalised plan delivers the best long-term results.
How Much Does LipiFlow Cost in Auckland?
LipiFlow treatment at Illume Eye Care costs $1,000 for both eyes. Packages are avaliable when combined with other therapies. AfterPay is also an option.
The majority of the cost reflects the disposable medical components required for each patient.
Why Choose Illume Eye Care for LipiFlow?
- Experienced optometrists with advanced dry eye expertise
- Comprehensive meibomian gland assessment and imaging
- Evidence-based treatment plans
- Access to IPL, LLLT and advanced adjunct therapies
- Convenient Ponsonby, Auckland location with easy parking
We focus on long-term eye health, not just short-term symptom relief.
