In-Office Procedures · Treatment

Systane iLux2 MGD Thermal Pulsation System (Alcon)

Handheld chair-side thermal pulsation with integrated HD meibomian gland imaging, proven non-inferior to LipiFlow through 12 months in a head-to-head RCT, with 300% improvement in gland function at 4 weeks.

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Written by the Dry Eye Rescue clinical team | Medically reviewed by the DER Medical Advisory Panel | Last updated June 2026

Key points

  • Manufacturer direct through Alcon.
  • Handheld, chair-side thermal pulsation with integrated HD gland imaging.
  • Lets you image the glands, treat, and recheck with one device.
  • Reported non-inferior to LipiFlow through twelve months.

How it works

The Systane iLux2 (Alcon) is a handheld, portable thermal pulsation device. The clinician positions the device directly against the inner and outer lid surfaces at the tarsal plate. LED-based direct-contact heat is applied simultaneously with compression pressure to warm and express the meibomian glands. The clinician can visualize the glands in real time through the integrated HD camera, and replay the video post-procedure so the patient can see their own gland function improving during the session.

  • Handheld, chair-side, no dedicated procedure chair or tray required
  • Integrated HD video meibomian gland imaging, before, during, and after expression
  • Clinician-controlled compression, real-time tactile feedback during gland expression
  • Single-use treatment pads per procedure

FDA clearance

The Systane iLux2 (and its predecessor, the Systane iLux) is FDA-cleared for the application of localized heat and pressure therapy in adult patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) associated with evaporative dry eye, and for capture and storage of digital meibomian gland images.

Clinical evidence

  • Bujak et al. (2022), Clinical Ophthalmology, Post-hoc analysis of a 12-month prospective RCT (n=236) showing a single Systane iLux treatment produced statistically significant improvements in MGS, NITBUT, and corneal staining maintained through 12 months (all p<0.0001). PMC, Clinical Ophthalmology
  • Alcon pivotal study (FDA submission data), Single treatment improved average meibomian gland function by 300% at 4 weeks compared to baseline; mean MGS change of 17+ points at 12 months. Alcon iLux2 clinical data page
  • Non-inferiority to LipiFlow, 12-month multicenter RCT (NCT03956225), Systane iLux2 demonstrated non-inferiority to LipiFlow across all efficacy endpoints (MGS, NITBUT, corneal staining) at all timepoints: 2 weeks, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. PMC, Eye & Contact Lens
  • iLux + cyclosporine combination study (2025, International Journal of General Medicine), Combined iLux photothermal pulsation with 0.05% cyclosporine showed 96.88% total response rate compared with 77.27% for cyclosporine alone (p=0.039), demonstrating synergistic benefit for moderate-to-severe MGD. PMC, International Journal of General Medicine

Manufacturer

Alcon, Systane iLux2 professional page

Availability

Systane iLux2 is available through Alcon sales representatives. Contact Alcon or ask Provider Relations at Dry Eye Rescue to make an introduction.

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.

Explore the iLux2

Learn more at Alcon Back to all procedures