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In-office procedures · Thermal pulsation

LipiFlow Heat and pulsation for blocked meibomian glands.

Made by Johnson & Johnson Vision, the TearScience LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System is an office-based device delivering localized heat and pressure therapy to the lids. It is intended for adults with chronic cystic conditions of the eyelids, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) among them.

TearScience LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System console
12 minAutomated treatment
6 to 8 wksTypical time before results are noticed
Up to 12 moBenefit many patients report
1 dropTopical anesthetic only, no other drugs

Built to help the glands work again

Controlled heat warms the obstructed meibomian glands while they are massaged at the same time, moving out the oil trapped inside. The automated session is designed to help clear the blockage and support gland function.

Designed to open blocked glands

An automated lid treatment intended to help clear obstructed meibomian glands and support oil production.

Heat and massage in one step

Controlled heat is meant to melt the trapped oil while gentle massage helps move it out, both at once.

Comfortable for most patients

Most patients reported no pain or discomfort, and they can relax through the 12-minute session.

Very little medication

Apart from one topical anesthetic drop at the start, no other drugs are needed.

Results that can last

Patients may notice results 6 to 8 weeks out, depending on how severe their MGD is. Many report continued benefit for as long as 12 months.

How TearScience LipiFlow works

Vectored delivery, thermal energy and pulsation are combined into one automated treatment.

  • 12-minute automated session
  • Localized heat and pressure
  • Designed for efficiency and performance
  • Vectored

    Treatment is aimed at the eyelids, where the meibomian glands are located.

  • Thermal

    Controlled heat warms blocked glands to help melt the oil trapped inside.

  • Pulsation

    Gentle massage at the same time helps move the melted oil out and clear the blockage.

What happens during treatment

LipiFlow is done in the office in a single automated session.

Patient receiving a LipiFlow treatment with Activators on both eyes

Before treatment

One topical anesthetic drop goes in. Nothing else is needed.

The 12-minute session

Controlled heat and simultaneous massage work on the glands while the patient relaxes.

After treatment

Patients may notice results 6 to 8 weeks out, depending on how severe their MGD is. Many report continued benefit for as long as 12 months.

LipiFlow supplies

Specifications and safety information

Technical specifications
Technology Vectored thermal pulsation
Therapy Localized heat and pressure
Treatment time 12 minutes
Anesthesia Topical anesthetic drop
Patient population Adults
Indications for use

The LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation System is intended for the application of localized heat and pressure therapy in adult patients with chronic cystic conditions of the eyelids, including meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), also known as evaporative dry eye or lipid deficiency dry eye.

Questions doctors ask about LipiFlow

What does a LipiFlow treatment do?

It is an automated eyelid massage intended to help open the meibomian glands. Heat and gentle massage melt the oil trapped in the glands, which can help clear the blockage and support gland function.

How long is a treatment?

A session runs 12 minutes, and patients simply relax while it works.

Do patients find it painful?

Most patients reported no pain or discomfort.

Is any medication needed?

Only one topical anesthetic drop at the start. No other drugs are needed.

When do patients notice results?

Patients may notice results 6 to 8 weeks out, depending on how severe their MGD is. Many report continued benefit for as long as 12 months.

Add LipiFlow to your practice

A 12-minute treatment in the office, using localized heat and pressure to target blocked meibomian glands in adults with MGD.

TearScience and LipiFlow are trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Vision. Read the complete manufacturer instructions for use, including every warning, precaution and contraindication, before use. Individual results vary.