There is an effective treatment for dry eye patients to reduce the effects of the disease and open the blocked meibomian ducts. This treatment, which we call Lipiflow , shows significant effects in a short time. Research is also proof of this. In the article published byPrimary Eye Care Associates, scientific research on this subject was brought together. We will evaluate these results and discuss the effects of the treatment on dry eye.
Lipiflow and its effects on dry eye
When we look at the compiled report, we see that a total of 10 separate studies were conducted. We will go through the summaries of the studies, but first let us state that all these scientific studies include a certain follow-up period. In the shortest case, the follow-up period was determined as 4 weeks. Summaries of the studies and findings are as follows.
Study 1
- Number of Patients: 138 eyes (69 patients)
- Follow-up Period: 4 weeks
- Results: Lipid layer thickness increased by 50% and an improvement in TBUT of approximately 3-4 seconds was observed.
Study 2
- Number of Patients: 42 eyes (21 patients)
- Follow-up Period: 9 months
- Results: Meibomian gland function increased by 60% and symptom scores improved by 40%.
Study 3
- Number of Patients: 400 eyes (200 patients)
- Follow-up Period: 12 months
- Results: 40% increase in lipid thickness, average 5 seconds improvement in TBUT values.
Study 4
- Number of Patients: 64 eyes (33 patients)
- Follow-up Period: 2 years
- Results: Nearly 50% reduction in symptom scores and significant improvement in the lipid layer.
Study 5
- Number of Patients: 82 eyes (51 patients)
- Follow-up Period: 6-8 weeks
- Results: 30% increase in lipid thickness, 40% decrease in symptom scores.
Study 6
- Number of Patients: 32 eyes (16 patients)
- Follow-up Period: 3 months
- Results: TBUT and lipid layer thickness values improved by 35%.
Study 7
- Number of Patients: 197 eyes (99 patients)
- Follow-up Period: 12 months
- Results: Meibomian gland function increased by 50% and TBUT values also improved.
Study 8
- Number of Patients: 14 eyes (7 patients)
- Follow-up Period: 3 months
- Results: TBUT and meibomian gland function improved by 30%.
Study 9
- Number of Patients: 119 eyes (62 patients)
- Follow-up Period: 6-8 weeks
- Results: A 40% improvement in TBUT and a significant thickening of the lipid layer was observed.
Study 10
- Number of Patients: 400 eyes (200 patients)
- Follow-up Period: 1 year
- Results: 50% reduction in symptom scores, 5 second improvement in TBUT.
Results and Evaluation
When all studies are evaluated, we can say that Lipiflow treatment has a direct effect on dry eye. In the studies, it was revealed that dry eye symptoms decreased by an average of 40-50% and TBUT values increased. There was also a significant thickening of the lipid layer after treatment. This means that the lipid fat layer, which prevents premature evaporation of tears, is increased and the meibomian glands are helped to open.
What is TBUT for the Curious?
TBUT (Tear Break-Up Time) is a test that shows how long the tear layer remains stable. It is therefore an important test for dry eye. The test is usually performed using fluorescent dye. A drop of dye is applied to the surface of the eye, then the patient is asked to close and open their eyes. When the tear film dries, the time until a visible break or gap appears is recorded as the TBUT value.
