
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.
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.
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.
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.
This procedure is indicated for patients with chronic dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction.
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.
Dry, gritty, or itchy sensation, stinging, Irritation, light sensitivity, visual fluctuations , watery eyes, tired eyes, and many others!
iLUX allows eye doctors to safely and effectively unblock capped and constipated oil glands inside the eyelids!
iLUX allows for a long-term relief of your dry eye symptoms.






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.
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.
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.
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.
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.