Dry Eye FAQ

Dry eye syndrome is a medical condition in which the eyes cannot sustain enough tear moisture to stay healthy and comfortable. There are two primary forms of dry eye – evaporative dry eye and aqueous tear deficiency. The LipiFlow® dry eye treatment at Kugler Vision addresses evaporative dry eye. Evaporative dry eye is the most common dry eye type, accounting for more than 86 percent of all dry eye cases.

Healthy tears are made up of three layers: a mucin layer, a liquid (aqueous) layer, and a thin film of oil called lipid. The oil in tears helps to slow the rate of evaporation, keeping healthy moisture against the eye to lubricate it and protect it from debris.

The eye’s meibomian glands are located in the eyelids and are responsible for producing the lipid (oil) that is a necessary element of healthy tears. If these glands do not produce enough oil or become blocked, it leads to evaporative dry eye.

LipiView is an advanced diagnostic technology that allows your doctor to evaluate the lipid (oil) layer on your eyes. This test is part of your Ocular Surface Evaluation and will determine if LipiFlow® is the right treatment for you.

LipiFlow® is an FDA-approved treatment for long-lasting evaporative dry eye relief. The treatment applies consistent, comfortable heat as well as gentle pulsation to your eyelids in order to massage out any blockages of your meibomian glands and stimulate lipid production.

The disposable LipiFlow® Activator is placed on your eyelids, without touching your eye directly. The activator does all the work – applying the mild heat and gentle pressure, while you simply sit back and relax for the duration of your treatment.

The LipiFlow® procedure is performed right in our office and only takes about 15 minutes.

In a recent clinical study, 79 percent of patients reported improved overall dry eye symptoms within weeks of a single LipiFlow® treatment.

Yes, LipiFlow is FDA approved. For detailed information about FDA labeling for the technology mentioned here, click here.

Some patients may experience slight irritation afterwards that subsides, but other than that, there are very few risks with the LipiFlow treatment. All potential side effects will be covered at your dry eye evaluation.

Your results depend on the severity of your blockage. Most patients require additional LipiFlow treatments every 18 to 24 months.

At Kugler Vision, our dry eye experts can help you find relief for your dry eyes. Our patients undergo a series of comprehensive tests to determine the best treatment option. If you suffer from dry eyes, our doctors will recommend ways to improve your dry eye symptoms, such as drops, vitamins (PRN), Bruder eye hydrating mask, LipiFlow, and BlephEx.

Blepharitis is a common condition that results in inflammation affecting the eyelids and eyelashes. Blepharitis is typically caused by bacterial infections, allergic reactions, or poor eyelid hygiene. If you have blepharitis, you may be experiencing redness, irritation, and a dry or sandy feeling in your eyes. BlephExTM can be a good solution to find relief.

BlephEx is a revolutionary treatment of blepharitis and dry eye. During the procedure, a soft sponge is used to carefully and precisely clean along the edge of your eyelids and eyelashes, removing bacteria, scurf, and debris, and exfoliating your eyelids. A clean, new sponge is used for each individual eyelid so no bacteria is spread between the lids. After treatment, the eyes are rinsed well to flush away any debris that has been loosened and removed by the treatment. A numbing drop is placed in each eye prior to the BlephEx treatment for the patient’s comfort.

The BlephEx dry eye treatment is performed in our offices by a dry eye expert, and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

Yes, BlephEx is FDA approved. For detailed information about FDA labeling for the technology mentioned here, click here.

Some patients may experience some irritation or discomfort immediately after BlephEx treatment, though that soon subsides. Other than that, there are very few risks with the BlephEx treatment. All potential side effects will be covered at your dry eye evaluation.

While the results of BlephEx may be felt right away, they are not permanent. It is similar to visiting the dentist annually for the professional removal of plaque and tartar from teeth – BlephEx will need to be repeated to maintain optimum results.

BlephEx is an effective treatment for blepharitis and dry eye. If you are experiencing dry eye, BlephEx may be a good solution for you. Schedule a dry eye consultation at Kugler Vision, and our dry eye experts can help determine your best treatment option to find relief for your dry eyes.

If you believe that you are suffering from dry eye and that one of our dry eye treatments can help you, contact us at 402.558.2211 to schedule a dry eye consultation. At Kugler Vision, our dry eye experts can help you find relief for your dry eyes.