Meibomian gland probing in New York?

[Lacrima]

I have just tried Lipiflow for my blocked glands without much success (had it done in England). I really want to have meibomian gland probing done as soon as possible. I'm moving to New York City in May. Does anyone please know someone who does this in New York, or near?

Thank youx

[Lacrima]

How to find specialists who perform meibomian gland probing in your area

Hi,

After posting the above thread yesterday, I got in touch with Rhein Medical (they produce the probes used in meibomian gland probing). You can request a list of doctors in your area who have ordered the probes. I asked the person in the live chat but you can also call. They send me a list almost immediately!

[bunnyrabbit123]

Lacrima,
How smart of you! Thanks for this.

[Lacrima]

Hi bunnyrabbit123, actually it was a specialist I'd emailed who advised me to get in touch with Rhein Medical. So grateful that he did!

[32nitrox]

Hi Lacrima, I work in NYC and did not find anyone who does MG Probing when I was searching a few months ago. One of my doctors in NYC actually refers her patients to Dr Steven ****** in Tampa, FL. While it sounds like quite a stretch its an easy trip. Little over 2 hours by plane and I've paid $179 for a ticket. Dr ****** invented the probe and trains other doctors in its use. I experienced immediate relief and continue to enjoy the results. I was finally able to stop using Lotemax after being dependent upon it for 6 months. Hope this helps.

[bunnyrabbit123]

Hi 32nitrox,
your post is very timely as using Lacrima's suggestion I've been able to locate someone in PA who uses the ****** probes and I'm considering giving this a try. Did you have much discomfort during the procedure? Any details you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[romeodakins]

What is this probing? Does it fix your glands and get rid of dry eye by recreating the glands?

[32nitrox]

Hi Bunnyrabbit,
I did not experience much discomfort and actually felt better before leaving the office! Dr ****** put bandage contact lenses in first and then numbing "paste" sorry lack of better terminology. First he did the probing, then expression and lastly steroid injections. Prior to the procedure I was waking up with swollen, heavy lids and was tender to the touch. Immediately following, the unrelenting pressure I felt was gone and the heaviness as well. I'm four month out and the MG volume output is good, overall irritation, burning almost completely contained. I'm very pleased with the results. I work in the medical industry and I have to say I feel like having this done by the doctor who created the instrument could make all the difference. I am happy for you that you found someone close to us, I would ask how long they have been doing the probing and if you can speak to patients that have had it done. It is a delicate procedure that takes the utmost skill. Please keep me updated!

[32nitrox]

Hi Bunnyrabbit,
I did not experience much discomfort and actually felt better before leaving the office! Dr ****** put bandage contact lenses in first and then numbing "paste" sorry lack of better terminology. First he did the probing, then expression and lastly steroid injections. Prior to the procedure I was waking up with swollen, heavy lids and was tender to the touch. Immediately following, the unrelenting pressure I felt was gone and the heaviness as well. I'm four month out and the MG volume output is good, overall irritation, burning almost completely contained. I'm very pleased with the results. I work in the medical industry and I have to say I feel like having this done by the doctor who created the instrument could make all the difference. I am happy for you that you found someone close to us, I would ask how long they have been doing the probing and if you can speak to patients that have had it done. It is a delicate procedure that takes the utmost skill. Please keep me updated!

[bunnyrabbit123]

Dear 32nitrox,
Thanks for your kind and informative reply. Of course, it's best to go to the source (Dr. ******). You've armed me with pertinent questions. I'm going to schedule an appt with this guy and see what he's able to do. I'll post back what I find out.

[Lacrima]

Hi Lacrima, I work in NYC and did not find anyone who does MG Probing when I was searching a few months ago. One of my doctors in NYC actually refers her patients to Dr Steven ****** in Tampa, FL. While it sounds like quite a stretch its an easy trip. Little over 2 hours by plane and I've paid $179 for a ticket. Dr ****** invented the probe and trains other doctors in its use. I experienced immediate relief and continue to enjoy the results. I was finally able to stop using Lotemax after being dependent upon it for 6 months. Hope this helps.

Hi 32nitrox, thanks for your message, really helpful to hear about your good results! Do you know whether you will have to get probing done regularly to keep your glands healthy?

[32nitrox]

Hi Lacrima, my apologies for the late response. I read a study that showed that at 1 1/2 yrs post probing 38% of the patients had probing repeated. I believe results will depend upon whether autoimmune disorders like thyroid issues and Sjogren's are kept under control, along with things like anterior blepharitis and allergy issues. I know from personal experience that allergies exacerbate the issue!

[peter56]

Hello Lacrima,
please pardon my late reply.

Dr Wladis <tedwladis-at-gmail.com>

Dr Wladis should be an experienced probing expert at the Lions Eye Institute,
Albany, Slingerlands, NY 12159

IS there no good probing expert in England?

Peter

[Lacrima]

Hi, I wanted to mention my experience of finding a doctor for meibomian gland probing this way.

-When you get the list from Rhein medical, the doctors listed do not all perform the procedure (a couple had stopped or claimed never to have done it). I had to spend some time calling around and asking specific questions before finding just 3 from a relatively long list. I did find a doctor I like in the end, though.

-They also might not always use the exact ****** method- so depending on how important this is to you, it is good to ask.

-Also, just because a doctor has probes doesn’t guarantee they will actually do this for you, or that they are very skilled in this procedure. Wherever possible, try to find out what they can actually do for you, and whether they have a good reputation, before committing to appointments/consultations. Unfortunately this isn't always easy or possible..

So asking Rhein medical for a list of doctors who ordered the probes can be a great way to locate a doctor, but there is equally room for disappointment. Hopefully the above considerations will help in avoiding any! Good luck!

[bobo604b]

I enjoyed your post about probing. I found not only is the list of little value but I called my old eye doc and asked the staff if he did probing was told he did made an appointment he saw me told me I was better off with Lipaflow procedure. I am so confused which way to travel.
I am new to the group and I'm still finding out how to navigate any help would be greatly appreciated