Appointments: (909) 548-5355
Appointments: (909) 548-5355
The iLUX device is used to warm and compress the glands inside the eyelids of patients with dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
An astonishing 86% of dry eye patients present with MGD! MGD (meibomian gland dysfunction) occurs when not enough oil is being produced when we blink because the oil quality has become unhealthy (thick, viscous and/or toothpaste in consistency in certain cases) and now the glands become capped and constipated. MGD is also associated with an increased bacterial overpopulation (blepharitis), which leads to eye inflammation.
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.
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.
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.
As of now, there are no insurance policies that coverage at this time.
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.
Our Comprehensive Eye Examinations are much more than just a glasses prescription. We truly believe in a thorough exam that is specific to every patient and their eye care needs. We screen for various eye conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes, macular degeneration, ocular allergies, and many others. We always make the time to answer all your eye questions.
Dr. Yee loves treating all sub-specialties of optometry, but as a dry eye sufferer herself, treating dry eyes is her favorite! There is a plethora of dry eye causes including hormones, medications, diet, environment and even your beauty routine. Dry eye therapy extends further than just eye drops. Schedule a dry eye evaluation so we can device the best dry eye therapy for you!
We treat a variety of non-surgical eye diseases including: eye infections, eye pain, light sensitivity, dry eyes, ocular allergies, foreign body removals and many others.
We also offer retinal imaging and dilated fundus evaluations to better treat and manage any eye diseases.
No contact lens is the same and there is no such thing as "one fits all." We care about obtaining the best fit and comfort with your contact lenses. Here at AVO, we take contact lens care seriously and value the importance of educating patients on proper handle and care.
Want independence from your glasses and contact lenses? Wondering if you are a candidate for LASIK?
We offer complementary LASIK/ PRK consultations to our patients. Ask us about the details during your eye examination.
If you are experiencing headaches, eye strain, pain around your eyes, double vision, or difficulty focusing at near or on the computer - you may have a binocular vision disorder. During this evaluation, we asses whether your eyes working together as a team and if they are focusing the way they should independently and together.
Consult with Dr. Yee if you're experiencing these symptoms.
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