Dry eye disease (DED) is an eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The symptoms of DED can range from mild and easily manageable to more uncomfortable and even painful. Common symptoms include stinging, burning, or a scratchy sensation in the eye, increased sensitivity to light, watery eyes or discharge.
There are several ways to treat dry eye disease depending on the cause of the condition. It can be the result of inadequate tear production or the excessive evaporation of tears. TearCare® and LipiFlow® treatments are used to provide relief from Evaporative DED, which occurs when there is an imbalance in the composition of the tear film. Today’s blog serves as a TearCare® vs. LipiFlow® comparison so that interested patients can make an informed decision.
What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
Evaporative dry eye is caused by a condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands are tiny structures located along the upper and lower eyelids that produce the oil layer of the tear film, known as meibum. The meibomian layer in tears plays an important role in keeping the eyes hydrated and comfortable, and prevent premature tear evaporation.
The meibomian glands can become inflamed which leads to blockages. This prevents the production and flow of the oil layer that keeps the eye lubricated. Glands may also produce insufficient or poor quality oil, affecting the compositional balance of the tear film. Clogged glands are a common cause of dry eye disease. The underlying cause of meibomian gland dysfunction can can range from hormonal changes, excessive screen time, makeup use to medical conditions like rosacea and blepharitis.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Treatment
There are several dry eye treatment options, but standard treatments like over-the-counter eye drops do not provide long-term symptom relief for MGD patients. Eyecare practitioners often need to use more precise therapies that address the underlying gland blockages. TearCare and LipiFlow are two such treatments that utilize thermal therapy to stimulate healthy oil flow and restore meibomian gland health.
What is TearCare® and How Does it Work?
TearCare® is an advanced dry eye technology that uses heat to melt meibum blockages and restore healthy gland function. TearCare® treatment sessions are only 15 minutes. Your practitioner will place flexible devices on your outer eyelids. Patients are encouraged to blink normally during treatment while the thermal pads are in place. The heat is directed only to the meibomian glands where it melts the oil that is solidified and clogging the glands, allowing it to be released. This restores the function of the glands, preventing loss, and allows the tear film to stabilize.
The TearCare® system consists of SmartLids (the thermal pads) and a handheld device that controls the temperature. You will be asked to blink frequently to help the melted oils drain from the glands. After the heat application, your pracitioner will gently express any remaining meibum blockages. Gland expression may feel strange, but it shouldn’t be painful. Your eye care specialist will attend to you quickly and with an expert touch.
What is LipiFlow® and How Does it Work?
LipiFlow® also uses heat to clear meibomian gland blockages and consists of a disposable activator and external eye cup that applies soft pressure. The LipiFlow® system heats the inner eyelid, while the device sends pulses through the eyelids to melt and dislodge any blockages. The combination of heat and pulses is called a Vectored Thermal Pulse (VTP), which gently and effectively breaks up the meibum buildup that causes dry eye.
LipiFlow treatments last for 12 minutes, during which time patients must keep their eyes closed. Many patients experience symptom relief immediately; however, optimal results are usually achieved after four to six weeks. Depending on the severity of the blockages, some patients require a few LipiFlow® treatments to ensure healthy gland function and improve dry eye symtpoms.
What Is the Difference Between TearCare® and LipiFlow®?
When we discuss LipiFlow® vs. TearCare® effectiveness, we consider both treatment results and patient experience. The patient’s comfort during the two treatments typically depends on personal preference and the intensity of their symptoms.
The pulsation provided by LipiFlow® reduces the need for additional manual gland expression. However, unlike TearCare®, LipiFlow® treatment is automated, so patients may need a few sessions to achieve optimal results. Individual anatomy can also dictate which system is better suited to a patient. For example, the LipiFlow® applicator shape may not be suited for patients with deep-set eyes, while the TearCare® pads work for all patients.
Results can vary, but in general, both systems can provide results that last for six months to a year. The underlying cause of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction can impact how long results last, so ongoing monitoring is necessary. Routine maintenance sessions are important for both treatments, allowing patients to prevent the recurrence of dry eye symptoms. Long-term management is a critical component of MGD treatment.
Dry Eye Treatment Tailored to Individual Needs
Both TearCare® and LipiFlow® are highly advanced treatments for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and the resulting evaporative dry eye. At Weston Contact Lens Institute, we only use approved dry eye therapy that our expert practitioners are confident will provide relief for patients struggling with painful symptoms. Schedule a consultation so we can evaluate your condition, lifestyle, and treatment goals to determine which treatment is best!
