LipiView® to Diagnose Dry Eye Disease: What is LipiView®?
LipiView is an innovative, digital imaging tool used to evaluate the severity of a patient’s dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Your doctor will use this evaluation to measure your eyes’ natural lipid production in your tear layer, blink rate, incomplete blinking, and determine if you have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), a blockage of your eyes’ oil producing glands. Your doctor is then able to customize your treatment regimen based on the severity.
LipiView is done in our office and only takes about 5 minutes. You will simply look into a camera and blink normally. You will be able to see pictures of your own glands, and your doctor will be able to determine whether you have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and dry eye disease. LipiView can also evaluate your blinking function by assessing if your blinks are complete. Incomplete blinking results in a poor-quality tear film which can contribute to ongoing dry eye symptoms.
Preparing for the LipiView Exam
Here are some helpful guidelines to help you prepare for your initial dry eye evaluation and LipiView analysis. Do not wear contact lenses or oil-based cosmetics to your visit. Also, do not do any of the following for at least 24 hours prior to your LipiView exam:
- Use artificial tears
- Use eyelid creams or ointments
- Vigorously rub your eyes
- Swim in a chlorinated pool
Other Dry Eye Assessment Procedures
After undergoing the LipiView procedure, your doctor may still require other eye tests to determine the extent and cause of your dry eye condition. Once these are complete, he or she will then discuss with you whether LipiFlow® would be beneficial for relieving your dry eye symptoms.
Call us today to schedule your dry eye evaluation and begin the process of controlling or eliminating your dry eye symptoms!