ILUX

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) & iLUX® Treatment

If your eyes often feel dry, gritty, or irritated—even after using artificial tears—you may be experiencing Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), one of the most common causes of chronic dry eye disease. At Optic Gallery Fort Apache, we offer advanced diagnostic tools and the innovative iLUX® MGD Treatment System to help relieve symptoms and restore long-term comfort.

What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)?

Every time you blink, your eyes are coated with a protective tear film made up of three layers: water, oil (meibum), and mucus. The oil layer, produced by tiny glands in your eyelids called meibomian glands, helps prevent the watery portion of your tears from evaporating too quickly.

MGD occurs when these glands become clogged or produce poor-quality oil. Without this protective oil barrier, your tears evaporate faster than normal, leaving your eyes feeling dry, uncomfortable, and prone to inflammation.

Common Symptoms of MGD

• Dryness or grittiness
  
  

• Blurred or fluctuating vision
  
  

• Eye fatigue, especially with screen use
  
  

• Burning or stinging sensation
  
  

• Frequent use of artificial tears with little relief
  
  

Diagnosing MGD

If you're using drops regularly or struggling with dry, irritated eyes, your doctor may perform an eyelid gland evaluation. This involves gently compressing the eyelids to assess the quality and quantity of meibum expressed from the glands.

• Healthy glands produce clear, free-flowing oil
  
  

• Blocked glands may produce thick, cloudy, or minimal oil—if any at all

iLUX® MGD Treatment System

At Optic Gallery Fort Apache, we offer iLUX® — a cutting-edge, in-office treatment designed to target the root cause of MGD.

How It Works

The iLUX device combines controlled therapeutic heat and gentle pressure to safely open and clear blocked meibomian glands. Using a hand-held device, your doctor customizes treatment for each eyelid with real-time feedback and visibility.

• Thermal compression softens hardened oil
  
  

• Precision pressure expresses the glands
  
  

• Treatment time is short—often under 15 minutes for both eyes
  
  

Proven Results

In clinical studies, patients treated with iLUX experienced:

• Significant relief of dry eye symptoms, including grittiness and irritation
  
  

• A 3x improvement in meibomian gland scores just two weeks after treatment
  
  

• A 4x improvement at four weeks compared to baseline
  
  

Long-Term Benefits

Unblocking the meibomian glands helps restore natural tear film balance, reducing the need for frequent eye drops and providing more lasting relief than temporary solutions. With regular follow-up and maintenance, many patients experience improved vision clarity, comfort, and quality of life.

Ready to Find Relief?

If you're tired of dealing with the frustration of dry, irritated eyes, schedule a consultation at Optic Gallery Fort Apache. Our doctors will evaluate your symptoms, assess your gland function, and recommend the right treatment plan—starting with iLUX if appropriate.

Call us today or book online to get started.