Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
The quick and easy way to dry eye relief.
IPL Treatment For Dry Eyes
Intense Pulsed Light has been used for skin rejuvenation for many years. Around 2002, an ophthalmologist noticed many patients getting IPL for skin treatments also noticed an improvement in their dry eye. Since then, many studies helped clinicians optimize IPL specifically for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (the main cause of dry eyes).
IPL targets and selectively absorbs the abnormal blood vessels and destroys them. As a result, this treatment effectively reduces the level of inflammatory agents along the eyelid margin. IPL also heats and liquefies clogged oil causing it to be more readily released into the tear film. With more oil being produced, it protects the tears will from evaporating or drying out as quickly.
Another method which IPL treats dry eyes is its ability to kill Demodex along the eyelid margin. Demodex are mites that burrow deep into the meibomian glands (or oil glands) and feed on the oil secretions. Many rosacea patients have an increasing amount of Demodex population which can cause obstruction of the oil glands and cause MGD.
Why IPL May Be The Best Treatment For Your Dry Eyes
Treats the Underlying Cause
Most dry eye treatments try to relieve symptoms by masking inflammation. IPL treats the root cause of the condition to prevent the inflammation and damage.
All Natural Treatment
No chemicals. No medications. IPL is light therapy to reduce inflammation and restore tear gland function.
Simpler and Easier
IPL is so effective that it usually eliminated the need for several other traditional treatments like warm compresses, prescription eyedrops and nutritional supplements.
Greater Relief
Our IPL patients experience greater success to their dry eye treatment due to the effective treatment and increased compliance.
What To Expect During Your IPL Treatment
IPL treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye is similar to IPL for facial rejuvenation. The treatment causes a warm feeling on the areas treated and the sensation of small rubber bands slapping the skin. Treatment involves a path from one ear across the lower eyelids and bridge of the nose to the other ear. A second pass is completed over the same are using slightly less energy than what is used for facial rejuvenation.
After the treatment, patients are brought to the slit lamp in the exam room where a q-tip is used to express old oil from the glands. The whole process typically takes about 10 minutes. 4 treatments (3-4 weeks apart) are recommended for maximum results. Maintenance treatments are typically performed every 6-12 months.
“Dr. Joe and everyone in the office exude the prefect balance professionalism and compassion. My kids absolutely love going in for check ups because of the caring atmosphere that couples beneficial medical knowledge with a fun atmosphere! We believe the is the BEST possible place to receive eye care for the entire family!”
