Dry Eyes | Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

Your tears provide a natural way of maintaining moisture and lubrication in your eyes. When there is an imbalance in tears, you can experience dry eye syndrome. Inadequate tear quality or insufficient tear quantity can lead to the condition. The optimal tear film comprises water, oil, and mucus which are all vital in keeping your eyes nourished and healthy.

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)

The treatment utilizes mild pulses of light to treat the root causes. It reduces bacterial growth and inflammation by targeting the skin around your eyes. IPL works by breaking up the formation of debris that blocks the meibomian glands which are responsible for producing oil for tears.

Does it Work for Dry Eyes?

Meibomian gland dysfunction is the leading cause of dry eyes. According to experts, IPL therapy is an effective short-term treatment for the condition. It also works better than other treatments like warm compress and artificial tears.

What to Expect During an IPL Procedure

Intense pulse light therapy is an in-office procedure at your optometrist’s office. It is an outpatient procedure that uses a specialized handheld device with a filter.

If you are looking to get IPL therapy, here is what you can expect:

Your optometrist or technician begins by placing protective glasses over your eyes before starting the procedure.
Next, they will apply a cooling gel over the area that needs intense pulsed light therapy.
With the protective glasses and the cooling gel in place, your optometrist will place the IPL handheld device over your eyelids. The light from the device then melts the buildup obstructing the oil glands.
After the procedure, your glands should be open and functioning optimally.
If necessary, your eye doctor may stimulate your eye’s natural oil production by expressing a small amount of oil.

After the IPL Procedure

After intense pulsed light therapy, the symptoms of dry eye syndrome typically improve after the first or second session. However, experts recommend up to four IPL sessions done once a month for optimal results.

Compared to other treatments, IPL therapy results may be better. You should also expect to use other treatments like artificial tears after IPL therapy. In more severe instances, your optometrist may recommend additional procedures.

While IPL therapy is a relatively new solution to dry eye issues, it is safe and offers better relief than other therapies. You do not have to learn to live with dry eyes. Research shows that intense pulsed light therapy is effective in relieving the symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

For more on intense pulsed light therapy, visit Envision Specialty EyeCare & Dry Eye Center at our Meridian, Idaho office. Call (208) 490-8823 to schedule an appointment today.