One of the most frequent causes of dry eye is evaporative dry eye due to Meibomian gland dysfunction. The eyelids contain tiny Meibomian glands that produce a clear, thin layer of oil that protects the eye's natural moisture from evaporating. The oily layer also helps the eyelids glide smoothly over the eye. Blockages and changes to the glands result in poorer quality oils and an increase in evaporation which in turn causes a feeling of grittiness and drying. With each blink, the eyelids no longer glide over the eye, instead the increased friction causes further irritation and inflammation. Without effective treatment, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction results in a permanent loss in Meibomian Glands causing further discomfort and potential damage to the surface of the eye. A common treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction is a hot warm compresses. This has a limited effect on treatment. Heat is quickly dispersed by blood vessels in the eyelids limiting the amount of heat actually reaching the glands. Lipiflow is an in-office treatment designed specifically to treat Meibomian gland dysfunction. Unlike warm compresses, Lipiflow applies gentle heat on the inside of the eyelids - close to location of the Meibomian glands. The 12 minute application of heat liquefies blockages in the glands. In addition, the lids are gently massaged from top to bottom to express the oils from the glands. The design of the Lipiflow system avoids applying pressure to the eyeball and only massages the eyelids. Immediately after treatment, you may notice some form of discomfort for a few hours. Research shows that Lipiflow treatment significantly reduces dry eye symptoms and also results in a significant improvement in Meibomian gland oils and tear film quality between 2 to 4 weeks after treatment. Usually, only one course of treatment is required, but occasionally additional treatments may be advised.