iLux is a handheld thermal treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and evaporative dry eye. In a single in-office session of about 8–12 minutes, the device warms the inner and outer surfaces of the eyelid to soften the hardened oil blocking the meibomian glands, then applies gentle, operator-controlled compression to express that oil — all under direct magnified visualisation so the clinician treats only the glands that need it. The aim is to restore the lipid (oily) layer of the tear film so tears evaporate more slowly. There is no anaesthetic and no downtime. At our partner clinics, projected UK self-pay pricing is from £350 per session (both eyes), with a dry eye and meibomian gland assessment included.
What is MGD and how does iLux help?
Your tear film has three layers: a watery layer, a mucous layer, and an outer oily (lipid) layer produced by the meibomian glands in your eyelids. That oil stops your tears evaporating too quickly. In meibomian gland dysfunction, these glands become blocked and the oil thickens, so the tear film breaks up, the eye dries and the surface becomes inflamed. MGD is the single most common cause of dry eye disease and is behind the majority of dry eye symptoms.
iLux (the Alcon iLux Meibomian Gland Treatment System) is a handheld device that delivers light-based heat directly to the eyelid while the clinician watches the glands through built-in magnification. Once the trapped oil is warmed and softened, the same device applies gentle compression to express it. Because the clinician sees the glands throughout, heat and pressure are applied precisely, gland by gland, rather than as a fixed automated cycle.
Symptoms iLux can help
- Gritty, sandy or burning eyes that worsen through the day
- Watery eyes — a paradoxical reflex response to a dry, unstable tear film
- Fluctuating or blurred vision that clears when you blink
- Tired, heavy eyelids after screen work or reading
- Crusting or redness at the lid margins, often with blepharitis
- Contact lens intolerance developing over time
Struggling with stubborn dry eye? A meibomian gland assessment shows whether your glands are blocked and whether iLux thermal treatment will help.
Book a dry eye assessmentiLux vs other MGD treatments
Several in-clinic technologies treat MGD by warming and clearing the meibomian glands. They differ in how heat is delivered and whether the clinician controls expression directly. Your consultant will recommend the best fit after assessing your gland structure and tear film.
For inflammatory MGD with rosacea or telangiectasia, intense pulsed light (IPL) may be combined with thermal treatment. Drop options include lubricant and artificial-tear drops to ease evaporation, alongside lid-hygiene therapy where Demodex blepharitis coexists. Severe ocular-surface disease may need an amniotic membrane graft. See the full treatments hub.
What happens during iLux treatment
iLux is a quick, comfortable, drug-free outpatient treatment. You stay seated at the slit lamp or treatment chair throughout, and most people describe it as a warm massage of the eyelids.
- Your clinician examines your meibomian glands and tear film and confirms iLux is suitable.
- The soft, single-use smart tip is positioned gently around the eyelid, cradling it from front and back.
- Light-based heat warms the lid to the therapeutic range that melts the hardened oil, with the temperature monitored continuously for comfort and safety.
- Watching through the magnifier, the clinician applies gentle, controlled compression to express the softened oil from the glands.
- The process is repeated across the upper and lower lids of both eyes, taking roughly 8–12 minutes in total.
After your iLux session
There is no downtime — you can drive and return to work straight away. Improvement is gradual as the glands resume healthy oil flow.
Same day
Eyes may feel slightly warm or mildly tender for an hour or two. You can wear make-up and contact lenses again the next day.
First 2 weeks
Many patients notice more comfortable, less gritty eyes as the tear film stabilises. Continue any prescribed lid hygiene and drops.
4–6 weeks
Peak benefit is usually felt by around six weeks. A review confirms the response and whether a maintenance plan is needed.
Ongoing
Benefit commonly lasts several months to a year. MGD is chronic, so daily lid hygiene and periodic repeat treatment keep symptoms controlled.
Cost & funding
iLux is a self-pay treatment. Our projected pricing includes the dry eye assessment and the treatment of both eyes:
- iLux treatment: from £350 per session for both eyes; typical range £400–£600 depending on severity and clinic.
- Dry eye & meibomian gland assessment: £150–£250, often credited against treatment if you proceed.
- Maintenance: repeat sessions are usually needed every 9–12 months as MGD is a chronic condition.
Dry eye treatment for MGD is generally not funded by the NHS or by private medical insurers, as it is considered a chronic surface condition managed with self-care; self-pay is the routine pathway. Compare the in-clinic options on the LipiFlow and warm compress therapy price pages and the wider prices index.