Dry Eye or MGD?

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Dry Eye and MGD from TearScience on Vimeo.

It’s time to change your outlook on dry eye.

Do you have dry eyes? Dr. Johnson also suffers from severe dry eyes and there are roughly 30 million people in the United States and over 300 million worldwide who have been diagnosed with dry eye. Most have learned to live with eye discomfort and have become dependent on drops or other treatment methods that only offer temporary relief. This has been due to a lack of understanding that the root cause of most dry eye (86%) is now known to be a chronic and progressive condition, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction or MGD.

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MGD occurs when there is a compromise to the function and/or structure of the meibomian glands in the eyelids that produce the protective oily layer of the tear film. These glands can become blocked over time and can no longer produce oils needed for healthy tears. This blockage results in rapid evaporation of your tears and can lead to irritation, discomfort and if not treated, gland dropout.

MGD Identification

A series of evaluations will be performed to determine if you have MGD. This can include a LipiView® tear film and gland imaging and a meibomian gland evaluation. Knowing what is causing your Dry Eye will help your doctor determine the best treatment option.

LipiView2 gland comparison

Now, with the breakthrough LipiFlow® technology, it’s possible to directly treat the root cause of MGD.

Treating MGD with LipiFlow

While there are multiple choices available for treating MGD, LipiFlow is the only FDA-cleared device for removing gland blockages and restoring gland function. Through advances in the application of Vectored Thermal Pulsation (VTPTM) technology, the LipiFlow treatment utilizes a patented algorithm of heat applied to the inner eyelids and massage to remove the obstructions in your meibomian glands.

LipiFlow treatment

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Susan L. Johnson, O.D., MPH, FAAO O.D., MPH, FAAO
Dr. Susan Ly Johnson is a dedicated optometrist with a Doctorate from the University of the Incarnate Word and a Master's in Public Health from Salus University. A Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, she specializes in ocular disease management, dry eye care, and refractive surgery co-management. Passionate about community service, Dr. Johnson has volunteered in Honduras and supports Child Legacy International in Boerne, TX. When she’s not helping patients, she enjoys writing for the Boerne Vision Center blog and spending time with her family – including their two beloved house rabbits, Gimli and Phoebe.
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