Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy for Chronic Dry Eye: A Quick Guide

Tears keep our eyes moist, lubricated, and comfortable. There are several factors that can cause issues with tear balance, which eventually leads to what is called “dry eyes”. Dry eyes can be irritating, but fortunately, there are various treatments and therapies that patients can consider. If you are experiencing symptoms, seeing an optometrist is the first step. They will check what the underlying cause is, and if you have meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), they may recommend Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy. Here’s an overview of the treatment.

Understanding the condition

There are several telltale symptoms of dry eyes, including scratchy sensations, itching, burning, watery eyes, and blurry vision. There are two types of dry eye disease, namely evaporative dry eye and aqueous tear deficiency (ATD). Evaporative dry eye is linked to the dysfunction of the meibomian gland. Should you worry about dry eyes? Yes! Untreated dry eyes could mean increased eye infections or even corneal scarring. Also, you may have a hard time sleeping properly because of the discomfort. At the least, you should ask your optometrist whether you need further treatment and care. In some cases, just using lubricating eye drops might be enough.

Involving channels in the IPL handpiece, the light range produced from the glimmer light can be consumed by oxyhemoglobin. The light is changed over completely to warm initiating removal of vascular designs. This course of photothermolysis is one of the proposed components of activity of IPL for dry eye, where frequencies specifically annihilate veins by focusing on chromophores inside the veins. The annihilation of telangiectasias along the eyelid restrains access of provocative middle people to the meibomian organs. Other potential instruments incorporate a gentle nearby warming impact to permit better articulation of meibum and obliteration of microorganisms that cause irritation at the level of the meibomian organs.

What exactly is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy uses pulses of light that helps treat the underlying cause contributing to dry eyes. It is a painless procedure that can be completed at the optometrist’s office. The therapy targets the skin around your eyes and helps minimize inflammation and counter bacterial growth, if any. The Light also helps break the buildup of debris/oil, which might be impacting the meibomian glands. IPL is not a one-time cure for dry eyes like most other treatments, and patients may need to return for additional treatments if the symptoms get worse again.

How effective is IPL?

There is evidence that Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy works for dry eyes and often offers long-lasting relief. Compared to many other options, such as using warm compresses or eyelid scrubs, IPL is way more advanced, especially for patients with MGD.

What is the procedure like?

As mentioned earlier, IPL is done at the optometrist’s office or a dedicated eye care clinic. Before the procedure, your optometrist will place special glasses to protect your eyes. They will then rub a cooling gel on the targeted area where the light will be used. The next step is to place the IPL device on the eyelids. The light from the device will break the buildup of oil or debris that might be impacting or blocking the oil glands. IPL may involve expressing oil from the glands, which will help in natural oil production. Most patients see a significant difference in dry eye symptoms after the first two IPL sessions. Optometrists may also recommend multiple sessions once every month for better outcomes. There is no downtime associated with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy. You can continue your regular work and activities.

How often does one need IPL sessions?

If your eye doctor feels you will benefit from IPL therapy, they will schedule the first appointment soon. The second treatment or session is usually fifteen days later, and the third session will be forty-five days after the first session. Most patients usually need a fourth treatment, which is thirty days later after the first session. Each case is unique, and optometrists may schedule these IPL treatments according to the needs of the patient.

If you have further questions about IPL or want to know more about the outcome and other details, talk to your doctor. They should be able to give clear answers before you go ahead with the treatment.