Intense Pulsed Light
Dry Eye Treatment

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Dry Eye therapy stands out as a non-invasive treatment with exciting efficacy in addressing vascular and inflammatory aspects of skin conditions like telangiectasia, rosacea and even ryhnophyma. In the specific context of Dry Eye Disease and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, IPL targets the root causes of dry eye symptoms and healthy tear film production.

Dry eyes can result from issues with any of the three tear film layers, leading to various uncomfortable symptoms such as dryness, irritation, burning, stinging, gritty sensations, along with fluctuating vision and excessive watering. The tear film is comprised of three layers: a lipid (fat) top layer, an aqueous (watery) middle layer, and a mucin (mucus) bottom layer. Typically, this combination ensures that the eyes’ surface remains well-lubricated, smooth, and clear.

As Ocular Rosacea is treated light is absorbed by the abnormal blood vessels, this process results in coagulation and closure of these vessels. By impeding inflammation and transforming the blood vessels into a form our body can remove the natural healing process can begin. IPL plays a significant role in reducing redness and inflammation contributing to dry eye symptoms.

During treatment the IPL also generates heat, this creates the perfect environment to liquefy thickened meibum causing Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). When this oily substance is melted the glands can begin functioning as intended, improving tear film integrity and symptoms alike. It is important to begin treatment before function is completely lost or the glands begin to truncate, we can improve function but we can not restore gland loss.

Your treatment will begin with an eyelid microexfoliation to ensure a clean surface area and increase the effectiveness of the intense pulsed light. This treatment is ideal for patients with a low to moderate melanin index or those who suffer from ocular inflammation and dry eye symptoms like MGD or blepharitis.

In addition to vascular, inflammatory and heating benefits, IPL therapy stimulates collagen production in the skin contributing to improvements in skin texture and firmness. It is always an option to treat the complete face or target additional blood vessels while receiving the dry eye treatment. Let us know if this is something that interests you!