Keep in mind that not all ipl lasers designed to treat eye dryness are effective for your specific case. Please get in touch immediately if you have any questions regarding ipl laser treatment for dry eyes or any other disease that may be hurting your eyesight.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) employs mild pulses of light to address the root causes of dry eyes. This is a simple outpatient treatment performed by an optometrist. The skin around your eyes is a specific focus for IPL, which can reduce inflammation and bacterial growth. Read on to learn more about Ipl Dry Eye Treatment Near Me/ipl eye treatment side effects.
Ipl Laser For Dry Eyes
Tears are the body’s natural way of keeping the eyes moist and lubricated. When issues occur with tear balance, it can lead to dry eye.
Several therapies can help treat dry eye symptoms, including medical interventions and home remedies. A relative newcomer to the treatment field is intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy.
Here’s what you need to know about IPL therapy.
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What is IPL treatment?
IPL uses gentle pulses of light to treat the underlying causes of dry eye. It’s a painless procedure done in an optometrist’s office.
IPL targets the skin around the eyes, reducing inflammation and any bacterial growth in the area around your eyes. The light helps break the buildup of oil or other debris blocking the meibomian glands that produce oil for tears.
What IPL treats
IPL treatments help to treat meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
MGD is a common cause of dry eye that can become a chronic, cyclical condition. Inflammation is a root cause of MGD, and its presence causes the eyes to create compromised tear film, which leads to more inflammation.
Several treatments for MGD exist, but none, including IPL treatment, are completely curative. This means that you’ll need repeated treatments with IPL to continue symptom improvement.
Cost
The cost of IPL will vary greatly by location and your doctor’s expertise. You should keep in mind that this is an out-of-pocket treatment.
Insurance and Medicare don’t currently cover the cost of IPL, though your doctor’s office may offer payment plans to help.
Does IPL work for dry eyes?
When MGD is the cause of dry eyes, evidence suggests that IPL treatments work well for short durations.
Still, when compared to other treatments, such as eyelid scrubs, artificial tears, or warm compresses, IPLs effect on dry eye has shown longer-lasting relief.
In a 2021 study of over 100 participants, researchers found that IPL therapy provided effective treatment for MGD, an underlying cause of dry eyes. It was found to clinically improve symptoms and eye function.
Procedure and process
IPL therapy is performed as an outpatient procedure in an optometrist’s office. They use a handheld device with a filter to perform the procedure.
Here’s what you can expect during your procedure, though some things may vary by location:
- Before starting the treatment, the doctor or tech will place protective goggles or glasses over the eyes.
- With the eye protection in place, they’ll rub a cooling gel over the area where they’ll apply the IPL.
- Your doctor will then place the IPL device over the eyelids and use the light to melt the buildup that’s blocking the oil glands.
- Once your meibomian glands have opened, your doctor may attempt to express a small amount of oil to stimulate the natural production of oil in the eyes.
You should talk with your doctor about any specific questions regarding how they perform the procedure.
How long does IPL take to work for dry eyes?
You may find that your symptoms improve shortly after your first or second visit. Often doctors recommend four treatments with IPL done once a month for best results.
In severe cases, your doctor may recommend additional treatments.
Though results may be better for you compared to other treatments, they’ll likely be temporary. You’ll probably need to return for treatments within 9 months, though this timeframe may vary.
What to expect after IPL for dry eyes?
Immediately following the procedure, you can return to your regular activities.
You should plan to use other treatment methods, such as artificial tears, between sessions of IPL. Your doctor can provide greater detail on what they recommend for your specific case.
Can IPL damage eyes?
IPL therapy uses a bright light that can, without adequate protection, harm the eyes. An older study from 2011Trusted Source that looked at IPL’s use on skin noted that technicians should take care to protect a person’s eyes during a cosmetic procedure.
When performing IPL therapy on your eyes, your doctor should provide eye protection to prevent the lights from causing damage to your vision.
Takeaway
IPL therapy is a newer treatment for dry eye. The procedure treats the underlying cause of dry eye by opening up the glands that help keep the eyes lubricated.
The outpatient procedure is generally safe. It provides better relief than other treatments but will require additional sessions for it to be fully effective.
Ipl Dry Eye Treatment Near Me
Ipl Dry Eye Treatment Near Me
Ipl is a minimally invasive procedure that treats chronic dry eye. Ipl works by delivering controlled energy to the surface of the cornea, which causes collagen fibers to contract and tighten. The treatment is performed in our state-of-the-art office and takes about 45 minutes.
Ipl has been shown to decrease symptoms of dry eye including:
Eye discomfort
Grittiness or foreign body sensation in the eyes (a result of excess mucus)
Tear film instability (tears evaporate too quickly).
Ipl Dry Eye Treatment Near Me
Ipl is a relatively new technology that has been used to treat various skin conditions including acne, psoriasis and scarring. The treatment uses heat to destroy the fat cells beneath the surface of the skin. The heat causes inflammation and this leads to the breakdown of collagen. Collagen is an important component of the dermal layer of your skin, so when it breaks down it can leave your skin looking less smooth and youthful.
Ipl for Dry Eye
As well as being effective for treating a variety of skin conditions, Ipl can also be used to treat dry eye syndrome. If you suffer from this condition, you may experience discomfort when wearing contact lenses or reading in low light conditions due to poor tear production or poor tear quality. Your eyes may feel dry, scratchy and irritated all day long which can cause headaches and fatigue if left untreated.
How Does Ipl Work?
Ipl uses infrared light energy which is delivered through an optic tip that sits on top of a hand-held wand called an “Intense Pulsed Light” (IPL) device. The wand emits pulses at a specific wavelength that penetrates deep into your dermis layer where it heats up.
Ever heard of IPL for Dry Eyes?
In this article, learn how Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) can help relieve Dry Eyes.
Are you tired of the constant discomfort and trouble because of your eyes?
Are over-the-counter artificial tear solutions not working anymore?
IPL can help relieve the signs and symptoms of dry eyes by dealing with the root cause.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment can now be used to treat chronic dry eyes caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and Ocular Rosacea.
Don’t let the persistent irritation caused by dry eyes take control of your daily life.
Read on as we discuss everything you need to know about IPL treatment.
What is Intense Pulsed Light Treatment?
Intense Pulsed Light or IPL treatment is a skin treatment that improves dry eyes.
IPL treatment has been used by Dermatologists for over twenty years.
For example, people who had IPL treatment for Rosacea found their dry eyes were significantly improved.
IPL can directly deal with one of the leading causes of dry eyes known as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
MGD is the leading cause of over 86% of dry eye cases along with other factors.
This dysfunction occurs when the meibomian glands don’t produce enough oil for the tears which keeps the eye moist.
How can IPL help with dry eyes?
Watch this video by Dr Joseph Allen, Doctor Eye Health about IPL for Dry Eyes:
IPL treatment involves flashes of light to the skin around the eyelids and face.
Light gets absorbed by the mitochondria of the Meibomian Glands. This helps to switch on the Glands. They become ‘younger’ and more active. The Glands produce better Meibomian Oil and improve dry eyes.
IPL also helps target Ocular Rosacea. Flashes gets absorbed in the small, leaky capillaries in Ocular Rosacea. It helps to ‘seal off’ these leaky vessels. The result is less inflammation and redness.
IPL also kills bacteria and Demodex on the surface of the eyelids.
In short, IPL helps switch on your eyes and break the vicious cycle of dry eyes.
How does IPL compare to Lipiflow?
Lipiflow and IPL are treatments for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
Here is a table comparing the effictiveness of IPL to:
- Lifitegrast/Cyclosporin
- Lipiflow (Thermal Pulsation)
- Hypochlorous Acid
- Omega Three Supplements
Table by Dr Laura Periman M.D. (Dry Eye Master).
What is the Evidence for IPL?
- A systematic review showed that IPL is a safe and effective treatment for MGD
- Another systematic review showed that IPL helps to switch on Meibomian Glands
- American Academy of Ophthalmology shows evidence that IPL works to improve signs and symptoms
- IPL reduces symptoms better than near-infrared light in MGD
- IPL helps to reduce specific signs inflammation in MGD
- Effects can be predicted based on symptom scores before treatment
- IPL even helps for Allergic Conjunctivitis and Itchy Eyes
Which celebrities have had IPL?
Mandy Moore is an American singer, songwriter and actress. She was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019:
Kyle Richards is an American actress, socialite and media personality. She starred in The Real Housewives.
The IPL procedure
Your optometrist will start with a comprehensive eye assessment to diagnose the severity of the meibomian gland dysfunction and determine your skin type.
The assessment tailors the treatment plan for your particular dry eyes.
Once your optometrist confirms that IPL is right for you, they will schedule a minimum of four sessions of IPL treatment over three months.
Single top up treatments may be done every six to twelve months.
Here’s how the IPL procedure works:
- You remove makeup and other skin products from the skin.
- Your eye doctor places IPL eye pads over the closed eyes and shields the eyes with protective goggles.
- Your eye doctor applies conductive gel beneath the eyelid area.
- You receives one full pass of the pulsed light with overlapping flashes that ensures even treatment of the eyelid area.
- The doctor applies more conductive gel before performing a second pass.
- After deeming the patient had enough IPL flashes, the doctor will then remove the gel.
Further treatment may be administered in conjunction with IPL as recommended by your optometrist, like meibomian gland expression.
In this procedure, the doctor squeezes out the contents of your meibomian glands by compressing the lower eyelids.
How fast does IPL work?
Most people notice a significant difference after the third treatment session.
Occaisonally, some people notice an improvement after the first treatment.
Although each person is different, around ninety percent of people notice a significant difference with IPL.
Ipl Eye Treatment Side Effects
Side effects are typically minor and temporary. These include
- Discomfort
- Redness on the treated skin area
- Tingling sensations
- Mild mucus discharge
- Slight inflammation which might be caused by glad expression rather than the IPL treatment itself
- Lightening of the skin for dark-skinned or tanned individuals
Do you suffer from dry eyes?
Fortunately, there are millions of other Americans that suffer from dry eyes as well, which has led to the development of a variety of solution options. No longer do you have to suffer from dry, scratchy eyes with no relief. Thanks to modern medical advancements and crossover technology, dry eyes are now being treated with great success. We, at Diamond Vision, offer IPL (intense pulsed light), one of the most successful treatments available today for those that suffer from dry eyes caused by Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
MGD is one of the most common causes of dry eyes and is caused when the Meibomian gland isn’t functioning properly (from blockage, inflammation or other abnormality) and unable to produce the oil (lipid) layers of the basal tears. When this occurs, the tears evaporate too quickly. When tears are not able to lubricate and moisturize the eyes properly, dry eyes occur. Unlike other treatment options, IPL addresses the underlying cause of the condition by helping restore the natural functioning of the Meibomian glands.
The treatment involves delivering series of light pulses in a very specified, calculated manner to stimulate your Meibomian glands which produce vital lipids/oils. These oils are protective, and it is necessary for your vision to keep them at optimum levels. Sometimes, the Meibomian glands become blocked, IPL helps clear the blockages and stimulates proper functioning again. The success rate of FDA approved IPL procedures is substantial — it takes just a few hours after the first dry eye treatment to start feeling comfortable changes.
After the IPL treatment is completed, the Meibomian glands will be expressed manually by the ophthalmologist to help alleviate and remove the blockage from the glands. The IPL treatment helps break up the blockages but they still need to be removed in order to restore normal functioning.
Like all new treatments, you’re probably thinking, “That sounds great but does IPL for dry eyes have side effects?” There are a few side effects to the treatment and procedure but they are very minor in nature and only temporary (if present at all).
Patients may experience the following side effects:
- Redness
- Discomfort
- Tingling/warming sensations
- Sensitivity to direct UV light
- Slight inflammation from the gland expression rather than light therapy
- Mild mucus discharge
- Pregnant women should not undergo this treatment
IPL treatment restrictions
There are a few factors that may prevent you from getting IPL treatment.
- IPL is not advisable for pregnant women.
- IPL should be used with discretion if you have very dark skin (skin phototype VI). Darker skin pigment tends to absorb light.
- You can’t undergo the treatment if you have birthmarks, moles, keloid scarring or tattoo near your eyelid areas and if you have a recent fake tan.
- Conditions like xeroderma and lupus disease may also prevent you from undergoing IPL treatment.
- Taking collagen injections, certain medicines that increase photo-sensitivity, vitamin A, RetinA, or glycolic acid, doxycycline, ibuprofen, and aspirin can also affect your eligibility for IPL treatment.
How to prepare for IPL treatment
Before your scheduled IPL treatment session…
- Avoid too much sun exposure.
- Do not expose your skin to UV light and artificial tan (sprays, lotions, gels, etc.) before and in between your IPL sessions.
- Avoid swimming in strongly chlorinated water before your treatment
- Don’t use exfoliating or peeling products for a week before your appointment.
- Avoid intake of aspirin or ibuprofen for a week before your scheduled session. Inform your doctor if your taking medications beforehand.
- Remove all makeup and other skin products.
- Keep the area to be treated clean and dry.
IPL aftercare
After you undergo an IPL treatment session…
- Avoid too much sun exposure to reduce chances of dark and light spots formation on the treated area.
- Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on the treated area.
- Do not expose the treated area to UV light.
- Do not pick on the treated area.
- Avoid hot baths, showers or sauna for a week. Humid conditions can aggravate the treated area.
- Make sure you use moisturizer if applying make up after the treatment.
Your doctor might also advise supplements and dietary recommendations, natural remedies, lifestyle changes, and other best practices to ensure the health of your eyes and meibomian glands.
IPL Dry Eye Cost
Prior to your treatment, your doctor will discuss the likely number of treatments with you. Typically, this is around four treatments. Treatments are often spaced between two to four weeks apart.
Doctors often recommend a minimum of four treatments. Treatment costs vary, but are usually around a few hundred dollars per session.
Will your health insurance pay for any of the treatment? Although your visits are unlikely to be covered by your health insurance, it may be worth asking anyway. If they do, you might get to claim some reimbursement. Talk to your doctor or practice staff for more information.
Intense Pulsed Light Treatment FAQ
Here is a list of questions and answers you may need to take into consideration before deciding on IPL treatment.
Is intense pulsed light the same as laser?
IPL utilizes broader range wavelengths of intense light, unlike laser treatment that operates on a narrower, specific wavelength, making IPL safer and gentler than laser.
Does IPL for dry eyes hurt?
You may experience some redness and a little discomfort in the treated areas, but they are mild and will only last for a few minutes or hours after the session.
How much does IPL cost?
The cost of IPL treatment varies depending on the clinics and the equipment and technology they use. A treatment plan can cost $800 – $1000 for three or four sessions. Initial comprehensive eye assessment and additional procedures like meibomian gland expression may cost extra depending on the treatment plan you manage to procure.
Some dry eye sufferers spend just as much on eye drops and medicines alone. Investing in IPL treatment offers long-term results that can save you tons of money in the long run.
Is IPL for dry eye covered by insurance?
Insurance does not cover the cost of IPL, and the charge for each treatment session can vary depending on the optometrist and the equipment they use. It is best to consult with a few optometrists or get some trustworthy recommendations first before booking a session.
How often do I need to have IPL for dry eye?
Patients can expect visible improvement in their dry eye symptoms after the first series of IPL treatment. Your doctor might recommend occasional maintenance treatments.
Your optometrist may advise you to come back for an additional session of IPL treatment every three to six months, depending on how severe your dry eyes are and how your eyes will initially react to the procedure.
Will I still need drops if I finish a course of IPL?
You no longer need eye drops once you have finished a course of IPL treatment. If you feel like your symptoms are coming back, though it can be after a very long time, you can go for an extra session of IPL treatment.
Is IPL FDA approved for dry eye?
One IPL device manufacturer (Lumenis) received FDA approval for IPL in April 2021.
Conclusion- why should you consider IPL for Dry Eye?
- The intense pulsed light treatment deals with the root cause of dry eye disease.
- Unlike laser treatments, IPL is easy on the skin. You may even notice an improvement in the treated skin area after the sessions.
- IPL can also improve your vision (e.g. filmy, smeary, blurry vision) and provide eye comfort.
- The treatment is safe and ensures little to no discomfort during the procedure.
- Each session only takes around ten minutes.
- By dealing with the root cause of the disease, IPL reduces your dependency on eye drops and other pharmaceutical remedies.
Are you tired of having irritated, dry eyes? Have you tried other dry eye treatments without any luck? Fortunately, some procedures can help relieve the symptoms associated with dry eye.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment is a treatment for dry eye that your optometrist can perform. It uses light therapy to target the root causes of dry eye, leaving you more comfortable and with less severe symptoms.
Don’t let dry eye get you down! Keep reading to learn more about IPL dry eye treatment and how it can improve your dry eye symptoms.
WHAT IS IPL?
Intense Pulsed Light treatment (IPL) for dry eye utilizes pulses of light to release oil buildup in the meibomian glands in the eyelids.
HOW DOES IPL TREAT DRY EYE?
IPL treats dry eye by removing blockages in the meibomian glands. This is important because blocked meibomian glands can lead to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which is the leading cause of dry eye. MGD is the cause of nearly 80% of dry eye cases.
When the meibomian gland becomes blocked, the glands don’t produce enough oil for the tears, which causes the eyes to dry out. IPL stimulates and restores healthy gland function and can offer long-term treatment of chronic dry eye disease.
MGD & DRY EYE
Dry eye disease occurs when there is a long-term lack of moisture in the eye. If you suffer from MGD, your tears cannot produce the quality of tears needed to keep your eyes healthy, comfortable, and seeing well.
This leads to evaporative dry eye, which is the most common form of dry eye. When your meibomian glands are blocked, it results in a lack of the lipid or mucous layer in your tears. Without these layers, your tears evaporate too quickly, causing dry eye disease.
DRY EYE SYMPTOMS
Dry eye symptoms include:
- Burning, aching or itchy eyes
- Fatigued eyes
- Eye redness
- Eye dryness
- Photophobia (light sensitivity)
- Feeling like something is in your eye
- Blurred vision
- Mucus in or around the eyes
- Difficulty with vision, especially at night
- Abnormally watery eyes
- Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, book an appointment with your eye doctor to find relief today!
HOW IS IPL DIFFERENT?
There are many treatment options available to treat dry eye. These include:
- Artificial tears
- Hot or cold compresses
- Eyelid scrubs
Unfortunately, these treatments focus on temporarily relieving symptoms instead of treating the root cause of the patient’s dry eye.
IPL dry eye therapy targets the root cause of evaporative dry eye, leaving you with more minor symptoms for a longer amount of time.
Although results differ for everyone, studies have shown that 93% of patients are satisfied with the outcome of IPL dry eye treatment and what it has done for their dry eye symptoms.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN IPL TREATMENT
The IPL Process
The typical IPL process is as follows:
- First, your eye doctor will place protective shields over the eyes
- Your doctor will spread a thin layer of cooling gel underneath the eyes
- A small device is then used to deliver pulses of light to the area around the eyelids, which help release debris from the meibomian glands
- After the IPL light treatment is complete, your eye doctor may manually express oil from the glands
How Long Does IPL Last?
One session of IPL takes about 10 – 15 minutes. You can expect to require at least 3 treatment sessions, but your eye doctor may recommend more depending on the severity of your dry eye disease.
You should experience relief within a few minutes of your first session, and results can last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, depending on your eyes.
Your optometrist will most likely recommend maintenance sessions throughout your life to maintain long-term results.
SIDE EFFECTS OF IPL TREATMENT
Like any other treatment, there are potential side effects associated with IPL. The side effects are generally mild and temporary, but you should contact your optometrist if symptoms last longer than a week or are severe.
You may experience the following side effects after receiving the IPL treatment.
- Discomfort and redness
- A tingling sensation
- Eye discharge
- Swollen eyes
THE TAKEAWAY
Dry eyes may not be permanently curable, but the right treatment can offer long-term relief from dry eye symptoms.
If you have tried dry eye therapies in the past, but nothing has seemed to work, it might be time to consider a more advanced treatment like IPL dry eye therapy.