ILUX
Alcon ILUX® is a newly developed innovative treatment system for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Ilux is
a handheld and portable device
for warming and expression of clogged meibomian glands in the eyelid
under direct view
in adult patients
in the practice of the ophthalmologist.
Ilux, developed by Tear Film Innovations Inc., was awarded gold in 2019 at the US design competition ´Medical Design Excellence Award´ (MDEA).
Ilux received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration in 2017 to protect public health
The Ilux is used in three steps:
1. Warming of the eyelid and the Meibomian glands in it
2. Manual squeezing of the Meibomian glands by pressing a button
3. Assessment of the expressed oil
How the ILux treatment device works
1. Ilux warms the eyelid with light
The Ilux device heats the eyelid via a sterile, replaceable silicone cover using a light source.
The eyelid can be observed directly by the practitioner through a built-in magnifying lens on the device.
On the Ilux device is being treated
the temperature of the eyelid is displayed (in ° C) and also
the duration of the treatment (in seconds).
2. Manual squeezing of the meibomian glands
When exposed to a temperature of approx. 42 ° C, hardened secretion can liquefy in the meibomian glands.
Observation through the built-in magnifying lens allows direct control of the process. This makes it possible to adapt the treatment to the blocked glands and to the individual needs of the patient.
Then, in a second step, the eyelid and the meibomian glands are pressed out manually by finger pressure on the device.
3. Squeezed oil can be assessed directly
The openings of the meibomian glands are visible in the built-in magnifying lens.
With the Ilux, secretions pressed out can be assessed directly in order to assess the degree of oil change and the amount of oil pressed out.