Potential benefits
- • Warm thickened meibomian gland oils
- • Support gland expression during an office visit
- • Improve signs or symptoms for some patients with evaporative dry eye
I-Lux for dry eye
An in-office heat and compression treatment used by some clinics for meibomian gland dysfunction and evaporative dry eye.
What is I-Lux?
I-Lux is a clinician-operated device used to warm and compress the eyelids. It is intended to help express blocked meibomian glands, which can contribute to evaporative dry eye.
How it works
A clinician places the device near the eyelid margin, applies controlled heat, and uses compression while viewing the glands. Treatment protocols vary by clinic.
Risks and limitations
- • Temporary irritation, redness, tenderness, or blurred vision may occur
- • It may not help if gland loss is advanced
- • Results and retreatment schedules vary
Questions to ask a clinic
How do you decide between I-Lux, LipiFlow, TearCare, or manual expression?
Do you evaluate gland structure before recommending treatment?
What findings from my eye examination support this treatment?
What alternatives should I consider first?
How will we measure whether it is helping?
What will the total treatment and follow-up cost be?
Find local care
Find clinics offering I-Lux near you
Search clinic listings by country, city, and treatment.
Community experiences
Have you tried I-Lux?
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Related treatments
References
- iLux System 510(k) summary — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- TFOS DEWS II Management and Therapy Report — The Ocular Surface
Last reviewed June 11, 2026. This page is educational and does not provide medical advice. Discuss diagnosis, suitability, risks, and alternatives with a qualified eye-care professional.