Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-intensity pulses of visible light to improve the appearance of the following skin and eyelid problems:
- Dry eye
- Meibomian gland dysfunction
- Blepharitis & Demodex
- Ocular Rosacea
- Spider veins, facial veins, freckles, age spots, sun spots
- Facial lines and wrinkles
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy treats the underlying cause of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye syndrome (DES), providing long lasting results for dry eye patients.
Approximately 80% of dry eye cases are caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
The meibomian glands are the oil glands that line the edges of your upper and lower eyelids, at the base of your eyelashes. These glands secrete the oil layer of the tears that coats the eyes and prevents the tears from evaporating too quickly.
Meibomian gland dysfunction is a common condition that occurs when the meibomian glands become blocked with thick secretions and prevents the oil from flowing into the tear film.
How does IPL treat Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a painless, in-office treatment that effectively treats the underlying cause of dry eye syndrome and meibomian gland dysfunction.
During this procedure, gentle pulses of light are delivered to the skin adjacent to the eyes to reduce inflammation and eliminate any bacterial overgrowth. These pulses melt the thick secretions in the eyelids, release the buildup of oil, and unclog the meibomian glands.
This specialized treatment stimulates the natural flow of oil into the tears, stabilizes the tear film and improves dry eye symptoms.
What to expect during your IPL treatment
Before beginning the IPL treatment, your doctor will place eye shields over your eyelids to protect them from the bright light pulses. A thin layer of cooling gel will also be applied to the skin.
Your doctor will then hold a small device over your eyelids to administer the pulses of light. The heat from the light pulses will then lead to the melting of the thick, crusty secretions blocking your oil glands.
After the IPL has successfully opened your meibomian glands, your doctor may also express a small amount of oil from the glands in your eyelids to stimulate normal oil flow.
What to expect after your IPL treatment
A full treatment session of IPL laser for dry eye consists of 4 sessions, 2 weeks apart. Most patients will notice an improvement in their dry eye symptoms following their first or second IPL treatment however optimal results will occur after 4 treatment sessions.
Additional treatments may be recommended to maintain healthy meibomian gland function and prevent the condition from recurring.
IPL therapy may be used in combination with other dry eye treatments for even greater success and dry eye relief.
Is IPL therapy right for you?
If you are experiencing chronic dry eye symptoms that are affecting your productivity and quality of life, schedule a dry eye consultation with Dr. David Roth or Dr. Ashley Roth today to find out of IPL will help give you relief from dry eye.