Dry eye disease is one of the most common and frustrating eye conditions, often leaving patients with burning, gritty, or watery eyes that never seem to improve. It can even affect the overall quality of your vision.
At NVISION Eye Centers, Dr. Sheri Rowen, MD, treats chronic evaporative dry eye using advanced technologies such as LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation and Toyos IPL therapy. These treatments target the root cause of dryness—blocked oil glands—rather than just masking symptoms.
Dr. Rowen offers personalized dry eye evaluations at her Newport Beach office, helping patients across Orange County and nearby areas like Fullerton, California, experience lasting relief.
Understanding Evaporative Dry Eye
Most chronic dry eye cases are linked to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), a condition where the tiny glands along the eyelids become blocked and stop releasing natural oils. Without this protective oil layer, tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the eyes irritated and inflamed.
While artificial tears and prescription drops provide temporary comfort, they cannot correct the underlying gland blockage. LipiFlow® was developed to restore normal oil flow and help the eyes maintain natural moisture balance.
How LipiFlow® Works
LipiFlow® uses a patented thermal pulsation system that gently warms and massages the inner eyelids. The device applies heat to loosen hardened oils while delivering light pressure to express the glands safely and effectively.
The treatment lasts about 12 minutes per eye and is performed in-office without anesthesia. Most patients describe the sensation as mild warmth and rhythmic pressure—similar to a soothing eyelid massage.
After a single session, many patients notice a significant reduction in dryness, burning, and irritation within several weeks. Studies show that nearly 80% of patients experience improvement within one month, with relief often lasting nine months or longer.
LipiFlow® Candidacy
Dr. Rowen conducts a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your dry eye symptoms. If MGD is present, LipiFlow® is often the preferred treatment. She may recommend additional diagnostic imaging or gland expression testing to confirm suitability.
Ideal candidates typically experience:
- Burning, itching, or a gritty feeling in the eyes
- Fluctuating vision that improves with blinking
- Discomfort after prolonged screen use or contact lens wear
- Chronic redness or light sensitivity
LipiFlow® can also be combined with other treatments, such as the Toyos IPL protocol, to further improve gland health and tear quality.
Toyos Optimum IPL for Dry Eye
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, commonly known for its cosmetic skin benefits, has also proven highly effective in managing Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Toyos Optimum IPL gently heats the skin around the eyelids, melting stagnant oils and reducing inflammation.
The light energy also improves blood flow and decreases the bacteria and inflammation that worsen dry eye symptoms. Immediately after treatment, Dr. Rowen manually expresses the glands to remove built-up secretions, giving many patients immediate relief.
Multiple sessions may be recommended for sustained results, particularly for those with rosacea-related dry eye or chronic MGD.
What to Expect After Treatment
Both LipiFlow® and Toyos IPL are non-invasive procedures that require no downtime. Patients can return to normal activities right after their appointment. Relief often improves over time as the glands resume healthy function and natural tear production stabilizes.
Follow-up visits help monitor progress and guide any additional maintenance therapies that may be needed to preserve results.
Why Choose Dr. Sheri Rowen?
Dr. Sheri Rowen, MD, FACS, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and recognized expert in both cataract and ocular surface disease management. She has decades of experience diagnosing complex dry eye conditions and was among the early adopters of LipiFlow® and IPL therapy for long-term gland restoration.
Her approach emphasizes personalized diagnosis and evidence-based care, using diagnostic imaging and modern technologies to create effective treatment plans for lasting comfort.
Schedule a Dry Eye Evaluation
If you experience chronic dryness, irritation, or fluctuating vision, LipiFlow® treatment with Dr. Sheri Rowen, MD, at NVISION Eye Centers in Newport Beach may help.
Patients from across Orange County and nearby Fullerton, CA, can schedule an appointment by calling 949-854-7400.
