Blinking should be painless, but for many dry eye sufferers, it hurts and affects everyday activities like driving, using the computer and watching TV. People with chronic dry eye may have an inadequate protective layer of oils in their tears which can lead them to excessive use of eye drops that can actually worsen the condition.
“Over time, without lubrication from the meibomian glands, the tears evaporate repeatedly and can result in more serious eye conditions, such as long-term damage to the surface of the eye,” states Joanne Shen, M.D., Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic.
Mayo Clinic is the first medical center in Arizona and the Southwest to provide a new technology that treats dry eye by targeting blocked eyelid glands. Blocked glands can inhibit production of oil that is necessary for healthy tears needed to lubricate the eyes.
The new treatment, LipiFlow thermal pulsation system, diagnoses and addresses the root cause of the condition — obstructed meibomian glands. When active, these glands lubricate the tear layer, reducing friction caused by the constant rubbing of the eyelids on the eyeballs and providing relief from symptoms such as itchiness, redness, gritty sensation, burning and sensitivity to light.
The LipiFlow treatment requires no downtime or recovery. Patients can go home shortly after the procedure. Results can be experienced within days, and effects of the treatment can improve for several months and up to a year, at which time the patient is reevaluated and may require additional treatment.
Click here to read entire news release.
Eyes are dry. Five years ago I had shingles on rt. side of face and head. Right eye now tears excessively at times – have been told that can be expected of someone my age (83). Rt. eye lid itches periodically.
Dry eye syndrome can occur after shingles. Fortunately, medications can usually control excessive reflex tearing.
I have suffered from Dry Eye Syndrome for over 4 years. I have tried Restatis for over a year with no help. I have done everything my eye doctors have suggested, and it is getting worse, and my life is coming to a standstill. I lost 185 pounds several years ago, so my eye doctor at U.A.B. suggested I had Floppy Eyelid Syndrome, sent me to a specialist, who did eyelid surgery 8 weeks ago, but the problem is worse, not better. I have been a patient at Mayo, Fl. for orthapedist care. I am getting desperate. I just read about the Lipflow system, and wondered if Mayo, Fl. does this.
HELP!
Thanks for your comment and question, Kathy, regarding dry eye syndrome. For now, the Lipiflow procedure is available only at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Please let us know if we can further assist. Thanks!
I have already made comments. Is this treatment covered by insurance? If not, what is the cost?
Several years ago, I had a severe flu, with a very bad nasal infection. Immediately after, I came down with Hives. Not a good month, to be sure.
Since then, I have had very bad dry eyes. My eyelids are alway swollen and the corners of my eyes are also open and swollen.
I went to a local Los Angeles eye doctor and he said that my oil glands were not producing. He prescribed some steroids and said that I should use them for two weeks, along with some dietary supplements.
That did nothing and he said that there wasn’t anything else short of a tear drain blocking, to remedy the situation.
In frustration, I started reading on the internet about the problem. People talking about expressing the oil glands, warm compresses, and steroid treatments (8 weeks). The first two treatments weren’t even mentioned by the doctor and the steroid treatment for 2 weeks is obviously different than 8 weeks.
My eyes are getting worse and worse and I would really like to try and fix this problem. Should I contact the clinic directly? Can I get some rough cost for this procedure, as I am not insured?
Thanks.
Paul, We cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. The numbers can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.org/ under “request an appointment.” For Fee Estimates: http://www.mayoclinic.org/billing-rst/ or call 507-284-4027
I live in Albuquerque, NM and have severe dry eyes that tear excessively all day long. I must carry tissues with me all day to keep tears from constantly running down my face. If I were to come to Arizona and I qualified for the treatment, would it be covered by Medicare and United Health Care insurance? Is the initial evaluation covered by Medicare and United Health Care? Thank you very much.
Your insurance may, or may not, cover the services provided at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. To obtain the most accurate information, please check with your insurance carrier to discuss the benefits provided by your medical plan prior to your visit. If you need further assistance, please contact Patient Account Services at 800-660-4582 (toll-free).
Also, here are some links to Medicare information:
Rochester: http://www.mayoclinic.org/billing-rst/faqs2.html
Arizona: http://www.mayoclinic.org/billing-sct/medicare.html
Florida: http://www.mayoclinic.org/becomingpat-jax/medicare.html
Best wishes!
If I could take my eye balls out and soak, i’d be happy. Eye dr. says to use over the counter gels/drops. Nothing working! restatisis is much to expensive-over $200 per month! can’t do, on SSI. Anyone know where I go from here! I’d rather be blind, at least i’d have no pain, when blinking and touching of the eyes. Anyone????? Please help!