Home Heat Masks
Warm compresses that keep the oil glands flowing between visits.
In-Office Treatments / Thermal Therapy
MiBo Thermoflo Treatment
MiBo Thermoflo is an in-office device that applies continuous, controlled heat to the outer eyelids with a gentle massage, to soften the hardened oils in the meibomian glands. Here is how it works, what happens after, and how to find a provider.
Key takeaways
- MiBo Thermoflo is a therapeutic medical device the manufacturer describes as an alternative therapy for dry eye, used in the office by an eye care professional.
- It uses a heat pump to supply continuous controlled heat to the outer skin of the eyelids, with ultrasound gel for a gentle massage.
- The heat is absorbed into the lid tissue and is designed to break down the hardened lipids in the meibomian glands.
- Your doctor may follow it with gland expression, and can teach you gland massage to do at home for long-term MGD management.
Quick answer
What is MiBo Thermoflo?
MiBo Thermoflo is a therapeutic medical device used in the office for dry eye related to the meibomian glands. It supplies continuous controlled heat to the outer skin of the eyelids, along with ultrasound gel for a gentle massage. The heat is absorbed into the tissue to soften the hardened oil in the glands, which is meant to help the oily layer of the tear film do its job of slowing evaporation.
How it works
Controlled heat plus a gentle massage
The MiBo Thermoflo uses a heat pump to help maximize liquefaction of the oils in your glands, with the aim of preserving the function of the oily layer of the tear film. It supplies continuous controlled heat that is applied to the outer skin of the eyelids along with ultrasound gel for a gentle massage. The heat is absorbed deep into the tissue and is designed to break down the hardened lipids in the meibomian glands.
The manufacturer describes the treatment as therapeutic and relaxing, with lasting benefits and immediate relief. Those are the maker's claims, not independent findings, and results vary from person to person.
After the treatment
Expression, then a home routine
Softening the oil sets up meibomian gland expression, which is intended to improve the quality of oil the glands produce and is meant to ease dry eye symptoms. Patients usually need only a single session, but regular treatments can add benefit. Your eye doctor can tell you whether you need additional procedures, and can teach you how to do meibomian gland massage at home as part of long-term MGD management.
What to Expect
The treatment is done in the office with your eyes closed.
- Where it is doneIn the office, by an eye care professional.
- What it feels likeContinuous gentle warmth and a light massage over the closed eyelids, with ultrasound gel.
- What comes nextYour doctor may express the glands right after, while the oil is soft.
- Number of sessionsOften one; regular treatments can help if the glands thicken again.
- At home afterwardWarm compresses, lid hygiene and the gland massage your doctor shows you.
The Home Care MiBo 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
Keep the heat going between visits
A home heat mask is the everyday version of what the office does with a device: warmth that keeps the gland oil moving. Ask your doctor how often to use one after your treatment.
Find a Provider Who Offers MiBo Thermoflo
MiBo Thermoflo 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.
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Read the guideFrequently asked questions
What is MiBo Thermoflo?
A therapeutic medical device used in the office for dry eye related to the meibomian glands. It applies continuous controlled heat to the outer eyelids with a gentle massage to soften hardened gland oils.
How does it work?
A heat pump supplies controlled heat to the outer skin of the eyelids along with ultrasound gel. The heat is absorbed into the tissue and is designed to break down the hardened lipids in the glands so the oily layer of the tear film can do its job.
Does it hurt?
The manufacturer describes the treatment as relaxing. Tell your provider if anything feels uncomfortable.
What happens after the treatment?
Your doctor may perform gland expression while the oil is soft, and may recommend additional procedures. Most people need only one session, though regular treatments can add benefit.
Can I do something similar at home?
A home heat mask and the gland massage your doctor shows you are the at-home version of the same idea. They support the in-office treatment rather than replace it.
Where can I get MiBo Thermoflo?
Only through an eye care professional. Use the Dry Eye Rescue Doctor Locator to find a provider near you.
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. Product and brand names referenced on this site are trademarks of their respective owners.
