In-Office Procedures · Treatment
MiBo Thermoflo
Continuous thermoelectric heat applied externally to the closed eyelids with ultrasound coupling gel, a lower-capital-cost in-office MGD option for warming and mobilizing retained meibum.
Key points
- Manufacturer direct through MiBo Medical Group.
- Continuous thermoelectric heat applied to the outer lids with ultrasound gel.
- Softens and mobilizes hardened meibum, followed by expression.
- A lower-capital-cost in-office warming option.
How it works
MiBo Thermoflo uses a small probe delivering continuous thermoelectric heat (up to 42.5°C) applied to the outer surface of the closed eyelids with ultrasound coupling gel. The heat penetrates the eyelid and warms the meibomian glands from the outside, softening inspissated meibum so that it can be expressed manually after the treatment session. Unlike pulsation systems that apply simultaneous heat and pressure, MiBo Thermoflo separates the heating and expression steps. Treatment typically consists of 3 sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart.
Clinical application
- Indicated for evaporative dry eye due to MGD, particularly obstructive MGD with inspissated or thickened meibum
- Often used in practices as a more accessible entry-level thermal MGD device before adding a full thermal pulsation system
- The ultrasound coupling gel also provides mild surface hydration and lubricating benefit during the procedure
- Manual expression by the clinician is performed immediately after each heating session
Clinical evidence
- Friedland et al. (2011), Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society, Prospective study of MiBo Thermoflo showing statistically significant improvements in TBUT, meibomian gland secretion quality, and patient-reported symptoms across a 3-treatment series in MGD patients. PubMed
- Shetty et al. (2020), Eye & Vision, Comparative study demonstrating MiBo Thermoflo improved TBUT and meibomian gland scores, with outcomes broadly comparable to LipiFlow in a shorter-term analysis. PubMed
Comparison with pulsation systems
MiBo Thermoflo differs from LipiFlow, Systane iLux2, and TearCare in that it applies heat from the outside only and relies on separate manual expression by the clinician rather than computer-controlled simultaneous heat and pressure. This makes it a more hands-on procedure but also a lower capital investment than closed-eye vectored pulsation systems. For practices building toward a full thermal pulsation suite, MiBo Thermoflo can serve as an accessible starting point or a complementary option for patients who prefer or require an external approach.
Manufacturer
MiBo Medical Group, mibomedicalgroup.com
Sources are linked inline above. Device descriptions reference FDA clearance status, published peer-reviewed studies, and manufacturer data. Clinical outcomes are not a guarantee of individual results. Review full prescribing information, the IFU, and FDA clearance documentation for each device before use.
