Home Heat Masks
Warm compresses that keep the oil glands flowing between visits.
In-Office Treatments / Thermal Pulsation
LipiFlow Treatment
LipiFlow is an in-office thermal pulsation treatment for dry eye related to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). A single-use activator warms the glands from the inner surface of the eyelid while gently massaging the outer lid, in one session of about 12 minutes. Here is how it works, who it is for, and how to find a provider.
Key takeaways
- LipiFlow is an in-office device treatment for MGD that applies controlled heat to the inner eyelids and gentle pulsed pressure to the outer lids at the same time.
- The heat is delivered from the inside of the lid, directly over the glands, with the eye itself shielded by the activator, so the cornea is not warmed.
- One session treats both eyes and takes about 12 minutes; it is performed by an eye care professional, not at home.
- It targets the blocked glands behind evaporative dry eye and is used alongside home care such as warm compresses and lid hygiene, not instead of it.
Quick answer
What is LipiFlow?
LipiFlow is a thermal pulsation system used in the office and intended for meibomian gland dysfunction. A single-use activator is placed over each eye. Its inner surface warms the eyelid from behind, where the glands sit, while its outer surface applies gentle pulses of pressure to massage the softened oil out of the glands. Both eyes are treated together in one session of about 12 minutes, and a doctor decides whether it is right for you.
How it works
Heat from the inside, pressure from the outside
Most warm-compress approaches heat the eyelid from the outside and rely on the warmth reaching the glands through the skin. LipiFlow reverses that. The activator's inner lid warmer sits against the inside surface of the eyelid, directly over the meibomian glands, and holds a controlled temperature there. At the same time, an outer cup applies gentle, pulsed pressure to the outside of the lid to express the softened oil. An eye shield built into the activator keeps the heat and pressure off the cornea.
Description of the device and session drawn from the manufacturer's public product information. No outcome claim is made here; results vary from person to person.
Who it is for
Evaporative dry eye driven by blocked oil glands
LipiFlow is intended for dry eye related to meibomian gland dysfunction, the evaporative form in which thickened oil blocks the glands and the tear film breaks up too quickly. Your doctor will usually examine the glands, and may image them, before recommending it. It is not a treatment for every kind of dry eye, and a doctor determines candidacy after an exam.
What to Expect
The session is done in the office in a reclined chair, with your eyes closed once the activators are in place.
- Number of sessionsOne session treats both eyes; your doctor may suggest repeating it later if the glands block again.
- Session lengthAbout 12 minutes.
- What it feels likeWarmth on the inner lid and a gentle pulsing pressure on the outer lid.
- At home afterwardWarm compresses, lid hygiene and the gland massage your doctor shows you.
What the evidence says
What one review says about thermal pulsation
The TFOS DEWS III report describes a single in-office thermal pulsation session that delivers heat and pressure to the eyelid glands as improving gland function and reducing symptoms for at least six months in people with MGD. That is the one published finding this page relies on. It does not compare LipiFlow with home care or with other devices, and a doctor decides whether it is a reasonable next step for you.
A single thermal pulsation session that delivers heat and pressure to the eyelid glands has been shown to improve gland function and reduce symptoms for at least six months. Source: TFOS DEWS III Management and Therapy Report (2025). Full citation at the end of this page.
The Home Care LipiFlow Works Alongside
Eye Drops
Artificial tears for everyday comfort, whatever else your plan includes.
Lid Cleansers
Daily lid hygiene that supports a calmer lid margin.
Dry Eye Rescue Tip
Ask your doctor to show you home massage
Your eye doctor can tell you whether you need additional procedures, and can also show you how to do meibomian gland massage at home as part of long-term MGD management. Ask at your visit.
Find a Provider Who Offers LipiFlow
LipiFlow is available only through an eye care professional. Dry Eye Rescue works with a network of over 5,000 providers. Use the Doctor Locator to find one near you.
Related guides
Other gland-focused treatments, and the hub.
In office
MiBo Thermoflo Treatment
Continuous controlled heat and gentle massage on the outer lids to soften hardened gland oils.
Read the guide
In office
MGD Expressions
A clinician clears the eyelid oil glands by hand to restore healthy oil flow.
Read the guide
In office
OptiLight by Lumenis
Intense pulsed light for dry eye due to MGD, and who it suits.
Read the guide
In office
Dry Eye Testing and In-Office Treatments
Every test and in-office treatment offered across our network.
Read the guideFrequently asked questions
What is LipiFlow?
An in-office thermal pulsation treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction. A single-use activator warms each eyelid from the inside while gently pulsing pressure on the outside to clear the oil glands.
How is it different from a warm compress?
A compress warms the lid from the outside through the skin. LipiFlow warms the inner surface of the lid, directly over the glands, and adds pulsed pressure at the same time, with the eye shielded.
How long does it take?
About 12 minutes for both eyes, in one session.
Does it hurt?
Most people feel warmth and a gentle pulsing pressure. Tell your provider if anything is uncomfortable.
How long do the results last?
Reviews of the evidence report that a single thermal pulsation session improved gland function and symptoms for at least six months. Individual results vary, and your doctor may suggest repeating it.
Is LipiFlow a cure for dry eye?
No. It is designed to clear blocked glands, and the glands can thicken again, so it works alongside a home routine of warm compresses and lid hygiene rather than replacing it.
Where can I get LipiFlow?
Only through an eye care professional. Use the Dry Eye Rescue Doctor Locator to find a provider near you.
Sources
- Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society. TFOS DEWS III Management and Therapy Report. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2025. ajo.com/article/S0002-9394(25)00274-0
This page is educational and does not replace medical advice from your eye care professional. The procedure described here is performed in an office by a licensed professional, individual results vary, and only a doctor can determine whether it is appropriate for you. Talk with your provider about intended use, candidacy and risks. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Dry Eye Rescue connects patients with independent eye care professionals who may offer this treatment and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any device manufacturer. LipiFlow is a trademark of Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc. Product and brand names referenced on this site are trademarks of their respective owners.
