iLUX Treatment

The iLUX device is used to warm and compress the glands inside the eyelids of patients with dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction.

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The iLUX device

iLux In-Office Procedure


WHAT IS iLUX?

The iLUX device is used to warm and compress the eyelids of patients with meibomian gland disease (MGD). This MGD Treatment System incorporates the innovative Smart Tip Patient Interface to deliver treatment directly to the eyelids where the blocked and constipated meibomian glands are located. This hand held device allows for real time viewing as our doctors express the oil glands while administering heat. When the oil glands are unblocked and unobstructed, oil will then be released more easily and naturally as you blink throughout the day.


HOW LONG IS THE PROCEDURE?

Treatment of both eyes takes approximately 8-12 minutes. The iLux treatment is safe to be performed multiple times if needed. The heating phase may be followed (if necessary) by a manual expression that usually takes about 15-20 minutes.


How is this better than warm compresses?

The iLux MGD Thermal Pulsation System delivers treatment directly to the blocked meibomian glands with the goal of clearing any obstructions. Clinical studies have shown the iLux increases meibomian gland function by 300% at 4 weeks post- treatment compared to baseline. This procedure has significantly better results than the traditional warm compress treatment. This procedure may be followed by the expression of the meibomian oil glands.


How often should I do it?

Studies show that iLUX is an effective procedure for patients with MGD, with effects persisting for six to 12 months. Therefore recommended on a 6-12 mo basis.


WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR iLUX?

This procedure is indicated for patients with chronic dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction.


iLux and inflammation

iLUX specifically targets meibomian gland dysfunction. MGD is usually accompanied by an inflammatory component of dry eye. We recommend doing concurrent treatment to treat inflammation along with iLUX.

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What are the common signs and symptoms of mgd/dry eye?

Dry, gritty, or itchy sensation, stinging, Irritation, light sensitivity, visual fluctuations , watery eyes, tired eyes, and many others!

Learn About iLUX

do you suffer from dry, red eyes?

iLUX allows eye doctors to safely and effectively unblock capped and constipated oil glands inside the eyelids!

iLUX day

iLUX allows for a long-term relief of your dry eye symptoms.

CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH DRY EYE

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids and is a leading precursor to dry eye disease (DED). Since the eyelids and eyelid margins are never washed, an overabundance of bacteria and biofilm forms on the eyelids and eyelashes leading to complications.


Symptoms include crusting, swollen eyelids, redness, and recurrent styes.

MGD

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a chronic, progressive abnormality of the oil glands of the eyes and is the leading cause of dry eye disease (DED). MGD has been linked with loss of productivity at home/work, contact lens intolerance and can negatively impact the outcome of cataract and refractive surgery. If left untreated, it can lead to oil gland constipation and eventual irreversible gland drop out/loss.


Symptoms include chronic dryness, intermittent blurry vision, irritation, redness, foreign body sensation, redness, grittiness, and so many more!

Demodex Blepharitis

Demodex mites live in the hair follicles of the eyelashes and look like cylindrical sleeves on the base of the eyelashes. They easily proliferate when excess bacteria on the eyelids provide an accessible food source for these mites to consume. These mites are common and become more prevalent as we age as more than 75% of patients over the age of 45 have mites and often go undiagnosed.


Symptoms include itchiness (often misdiagnosed as "allergies"), irritation, redness, and eyelash loss and misdirection.

Ocular Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition due to hypersensitivity to normal environmental stimuli. Rosacea affects the skin and the sebaceous glands (oil glands) and can therefore cause ocular rosacea. Patients with ocular rosacea present with meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis.


Symptoms include burning/stinging eyes, swollen eyelids, redness, development of red vessels around eyes and skin (cheeks and/or nose), and recurrent styes.

Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's Syndrome is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease that affects the lacrimal gland, the cornea, and the mucous-producing cells in the eyes. Sjogren's patients can also present with meibomian gland dysfunction.


Symptoms include dry mouth, dry eyes, fatigue, burning, eye pain, red eyes, fluctuating and blurry vision.

Lagophthamos

Lagophthamos occurs when a patient has incomplete or abnormal eyelid closure. This can lead to excessive exposure of the front surface of the eye which can lead to ulceration and infection. Lagophthalmos can be associated with sleep apnea, high myopia, thyroid disease, and eyelid surgery.


Symptoms include dry eyes, blurry vision, red eyes, foreign body sensation, increased tearing, and usually worse upon waking up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is oil important in the tear film and where does it come from?

Meibum (or oil) is produced by oil glands (the meibomian glands) located inside the upper and lower eyelids. When we blink completely, the oil glands are able to express lubricating oils which seals in the moisture (aka: prevents your tears from evaporation). Think about it like Italian dressing - oil sits on top and water on the bottom. This oil becomes an important key to MGD treatment and management.

How does MGD cause dry eye?

An astonishing 86% of dry eye patients present with MGD (meibomian gland dysfunction)! MGD is associated with an increased bacterial overpopulation (blepharitis), which leads to eye inflammation. Furthermore, in MGD patients the oil glands stop producing a healthy oil (clear and liquid meibum) and instead, produce thick, viscous and toothpaste-like meibum. The change in this oil consistency leads the oil glands to become blocked and constipated. A hardened oil cannot be excreted when we blink which therefore leads to dry eye symptoms.

How is blepharitis associated with dry eye?

Dry eye is a late manifestation of blepharitis. Blepharitis occurs from the chronic accumulation of bacteria and its biofilm in the eyelids and lashes. Bacteria release exotoxins onto the front surface of the eye which in turn leads to a slippery slope of inflammation. This inflammatory cascade continues until it starts affecting other structures of the eye like the lacrimal gland and the damage becomes irreversible.

Why can I just do warm compresses?

Warm compresses are a wonderful option for home therapy for mild dry eye, however they are only considered a palliative form of treatment. Warm compresses relieve pain/discomfort but are unable to treat the root cause of the condition because the heat cannot be maintained to reach the melting point of the oil glands inside the eyelids.

Do I have to do an eyelid cleaning before iLUX?
It is highly recommended to perform BlephEx or ZEST prior to oil gland expression to get the best results. An exfoliation of the eyelids helps remove biofilm, blepharitis, demodex mites, removes oil gland caps, and cleans the orifices of your oil glands. This allows for a more effortless expression of the oil glands.
I don't have symptoms, but my doctor tells me I have MGD and is recommending a thermal expression. Do I have to do it?

Asymptomatic MGD affects over 20% of the population and it is 2x as common as symptomatic MGD. MGD is a chronic, progressive abnormality of the oil glands and it may result in symptoms of eye irritation/redness, inflammation, and other ocular surface disease presentations. Preventative treatment is very important and I like to think about it like teeth cleaning. We get them done on a regular basis even if we have minimal plaque or no cavities. With the same concept in mind, we would not start dental cleanings only once majority of our teeth are in severe decay or once gingivitis is severely advanced. Preventative treatment is key to good eyelid health.

Is this procedure covered by insurance?
As of now, there are no insurance policies that coverage at this time.
What is the out-of-pocket cost of the procedure to patients?
An advanced dry eye treatment and procedures of this kind is around $1000 as a patient-pay procedure. This will vary by practice and location. Please contact our office for specific pricing.

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