Updegraff Laser Vision is one of the few practices in the Saint Petersburg and Tampa Bay area that performs the LipiFlow treatment. LipiFlow is the only FDA approved device for removing gland blockages and restoring gland function. Through advances in the application of thermal pulsation technology, LipiFlow utilizes heat applied to the inner eyelids and massage applied to the outer eyelids to remove the obstructions in your Meibomian glands. MGD is a chronic dry eye disease and unfortunately, no known treatment is completely permanent. The goal of LipiFlow is to clear out your blocked oil glands, restore the natural flow of oily lipids and prevent further damage to the glands. This, in turn, should alleviate your dry eye symptoms. Sustained dry eye relief from LipiFlow is a function of numerous factors including how long you have had the disease, general health, and whether you follow the post-treatment regimen we give you. Typically, LipiFlow provides significant relief from your dry eye symptoms for 18 to 24 months. In a recent clinical study, 79 percent of patients reported improved overall dry eye symptoms within a few weeks of a single treatment. Our dry eye counselors and specialists work diligently to provide information and treatment for the people of Saint Petersburg and Tampa Bay. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions or would like to book a consultation with a dry eye specialist. For more information from the manufacturer, click here.