Pain Point Medical (Dallas, TX) has developed a new therapeutic modality for the treatment of dry eye. In particular, the MiBoFlo® addresses meibomian gland dysfunction by melting and messaging away clogged glandular secretions allowing for a more resilient tear film. Applied in an office setting without the need for anesthesia, MIBO (My-bOH) is an extremely pleasant experience for patients. Results have been excellent with the vast majority of patients feeling they had made significant progress. The results with patients who failed other treatments like IPL and LipiFlow have been extremely encouraging.
Treatment is usually scheduled every two to four weeks for at least four sessions for best results. Dr. Lewis along with a few other dry eye specialists in the US was involved in the initial roll out of this affordable and comfortable technology. We expect MIBO to become available in most eye physician offices within the next few years. Recent advances in design have reduced treatment time to under fifteen minutes in most cases.
MiBoFlo’s Double eyePAD
The latest version of MiBo uses a double plated applicator to deliver 108 F gentle warmth to the meibomain gland apparatus. Combined with minimal message the glands are rejuvenated and thick lipid deposits are melted. This feature saves time for both the doctor and the patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can the Mibo effectively liquify meibomian gland secretions?
Yes, This answer is supported by both clinical data and common sense. - Some have suggested that the MiBo is no better than a warm compress. Is this true?
No. Warm compresses can be too hot (in excess of 120ºF) and potentially damage the eyelid skin and underlying cornea, or too cold (below 100ºF) and fail to melt the inspissated glandular secretions. MiBo delivers emissive heat at 108℃F through a silver (.925) eye pad with ultrasound gel which allows the heat to penetrate to the glands. Warm compresses, because they hold limited heat, lose their therapeutic effect in less than a minute. Warm compresses, while not as effective as MiBo, have been used successfully for decades in the chronic management of evaporative dry eye. They remain an important adjunct. - Is it more effective to apply heat from inside?
Meibomian glands are closer to the inner lid by a few millimeters. MiBo’s Peltier technology generates sufficient heat to drive energy into the relevant tissue. Using a silver (.925 eye pad with ultrasound get applied to the tarsal conjunctiva prove that therapeutic temperatures are achieved in realtie during MiBo therapy to drive heat directly to the meibomian glands. - Can the MiBo treat both upper and lower lids simultaneously?
Yes. Sterilizable and interchangeable hand pieces coupled with a powerful thermal engine allows treatment of one lid, two lids, or in a prototype version, all four lids simultaneously. Clinicians typical treat both upper and lower lids of a single eye during a six to eight minute session. Therapy for both eyes is accomplished in under 20 minutes. - Why does the MiBo treatment require multiple sessions?
It is not sufficient to simply empty the clogged Meibomian glands. Rejuvenation of the body’s natural lipid secretions through multiple applications of MiBo appears to be the most effective strategy. Evaporative dry eye is a chronic condition requiring periodic but regular maintenance.
Filed Under: Treatment Feature
