Ipl Laser For Eyes
Now more than ever, you may take steps to better your appearance. Getting a new do or a trim, some Botox, or a pearly white smile are all options. Nonetheless, there are situations when this equipment fails to perform as expected. Because of this, laser eye treatments using IPL are becoming increasingly common. The acronym “IPL” stands for “Intense Pulsed Light,” which is a method of treating the skin around the eyes with varying wavelengths and intensities of light. Wrinkles, age spots, scars, and drooping eyelids are all treatable with this method.
Laying flat as our doctor points a wand-like instrument at your skin is all that’s required for this short and painless process. It causes no discomfort and, in fact, is often compared to a soothing massage.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a relatively new treatment for evaporative dry eye and rosacea. Using filters in the IPL handpiece, the light spectrum emitted from the flash lamp can be absorbed by oxyhemoglobin. The light is converted to heat-inducing ablation of vascular structures. Read on to learn more on ipl dry eye treatment side effects and ipl eye damage.
Ipl laser for eyes
Inflammation is widely understood to be an integral component in chronic dry eye disease (DED). More than two decades of research has helped elucidate the role of inflammation in instigating and perpetuating chronic dry eye.
It is now considered an accepted fact that chronic dry eye is a cyclical inflammatory process: Even short-term desiccating stress at the ocular surface increases osmolarity, causing an outflux of intracellular fluid, and thereby yielding cell shrinkage that leads to the release of inflammatory mediators (such as interleukin-6 and -8).
These mediators further decrease tear production while increasing osmolarity-which then restarts the cycle that culminates in hallmark symptoms of ocular surface discomfort and fluctuating visual acuity.1
Meanwhile, a host of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and their receptors have been implicated in playing a central role in disease progression.1
It seems that inflammatory processes are also relevant in the earliest stages: the prevailing theory at the current time regarding the initial cause of dry eye is that dysregulated immune system responses-in reaction to environmental or physiologic stressors-initiate and sustain the abnormal inflammatory cycle inherent to dry eye.1
What those of us who manage patients with dry eye can take away from all of this is that inflammation plays a key role in initiating, perpetuating, and causing dry eye progression.
As a result, if ophthalmologists are not treating the inflammation, we are not treating this disease.
Why IPL makes sense
The classic thinking around the use of intense pulsed light (IPL) in treating dry eye is that active signs of inflammation (such as facial and/or ocular rosacea and telangiectasia) or meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) indicate the treatment might be successful.
While true, there is a wide range of patients for whom IPL is a good option. As has been learned over the past two decades, inflammatory processes are a common factor in all forms of dry eye-evaporative, and aqueous deficient alike.
In short, IPL works for dry eye because it has multiple mechanisms of action, many of which are important regardless of etiology:
• Light energy from IPL warms the meibomian glands, thereby facilitating expression of meibum. There is evidence that IPL helps restore the function and morphology of the meibomian glands.2
• The wavelength of light used in IPL is selectively absorbed by telangiectatic blood vessels, which coagulates them. This has a dual outcome, both destroying blood vessels that perpetuate inflammation and decreasing the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators that contribute to dry eye.2-5
IPL reduces the load of demodex mites that stimulate infection.6
• The light energy in IPL is absorbed by cytochrome C within the mitochondria, which is active in the electron transport chain (ETC). In turn, this improves adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, which facilitates important cellular functions such as collagen synthesis in fibroblasts and motility in immunoregulatory cells.
As an additional note, IPL treatment also indirectly interrupts the dry eye inflammation cycle by reducing the osmolarity of the tear film to normal levels.7,8
Technology
I have been using IPL with my dry eye patients since around 2010. I currently use the Optima IPL (Lumenis).
Over the past decade, clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Lumenis’ IPL platforms for treating DED.9-11
In my view, using Lumenis IPL technology has several advantages:
First, the company has been in the space for decades. There are no click fees or disposables associated with performing the treatment.
For those interested in using IPL in applications outside of eye care-including medical aesthetic-the Optima IPL is part of the modular aesthetic laser multi-application platform (M22), which allows a user to select and use different wavelengths of light.
With regard to the Optima IPL, specifically, the platform permits higher energy levels for effective treatment of inflammation while maintaining patient comfort with a unique cooling system. Individual pulses have higher energy as well.
A 10 J/cm2 setting is three pulses of 3.33 J/cm2, rather than five 2 J/cm2 pulses, as with other systems. The energy can also be lowered to treat fragile or sensitive skin, and is compatible with a wide range of tip sizes that allow ease of access around the tricky periocular anatomy.
Some of the features noted above speak to the broad applications of IPL in treating the skin on the face and around the eye, as well as for treating the ocular surface.
Choosing patients
But even within the category of ocular surface disease (OSD), there is wide range of patients for whom IPL makes sense. Generally speaking, patients who have tried traditional therapies and are still struggling may get relief from their dry eye symptoms with IPL.
On the other end of the spectrum, I have found that many newly diagnosed patients simply do not want to use pharmacotherapy, and so a device-based treatment offers a different yet equally effective approach.
Of course, there are myriad opportunities in between those two extremes.
The fundamental reason IPL is successful for dry eye is that it treats the upstream inflammatory root cause of DED- not just the downstream consequences, as its multiple mechanisms of action collectively interrupt the vicious inflammatory cycle that instigates and perpetuates dry eye.
It is an effective standalone procedure for patients suffering with aqueous deficient, evaporative, or mixed modal etiology dry eye.
Ipl Eye Damage
This is where the danger comes into play,” Dr. Lee said. “Do not reposition or remove the shields during treatment and have the patient close their eyes under the shields. If repositioning is necessary, ensure that there is still good coverage of the eye before treatment is resumed.”
Closing the eyes will not only help in cases of accidental exposure to intense pulsed light, “but you can also protect your cornea from trauma from the shield application,” she said.
Damage
Because intense pulsed light consists of a broad spectrum of wavelengths, roughly 500 nm to 1,200 nm, as opposed to a laser with a single wavelength, it is “more difficult for the operator to achieve proper and full coverage of ocular safety for themselves,” Dr. Lee said. Also, handpieces for intense pulsed light systems “can be much larger than a laser handpiece, potentially exposing unwanted targets to the light.”
One of the chromophores for intense pulsed light is pigment.
“There are many pigmented structures inside the eye that can absorb the light emitted from IPL,” Dr. Lee said. “So, is the damage unexpected? No, it can absolutely happen.”
The ocular damage to the two patients “is more obvious in dim light, when the pupil dilates. The pupil irregularities become more apparent,” Dr. Lee said. Both patients experienced inflammation inside the eye, which caused irritation.
Retinal damage is also possible with intense pulsed light because the retina is a pigmented structure containing melanin and hemoglobin.
“Patients may have a false sense of security that IPL will not cause damage to the eye, but this is not true,” Dr. Lee said. “Although IPL is light therapy, it has the same potential to damage the eye as laser.”
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).
Ipl Dry Eye Treatment Side Effects
The IPL treatment stimulates the meibomian glands, helping them liquefy and release hardened oils clogged in the glands. IPL acts like a potent warm compress that relieves eyes from the aggravating dry eye symptoms.
IPL also reduces the excessive formation of blood vessels and inflammation of the eyelids that also contribute to MGD and dry eyes. It helps treat eyelid redness, stimulating healthy gland function and offering long-term treatment of chronic dry eye disease.
The IPL procedure
Dr Tiffany Truong will start with a comprehensive eye assessment to diagnose the severity of the meibomian gland dysfunction and determine your skin type. The assessment guarantees an appropriate treatment action plan specially tailored for your particular dry eye case.
Once Dr Tiffany Truong confirms that IPL is right for you, we will schedule a minimum of one sessions of IPL treatment and additional sessions as needed.
Here’s how the IPL with Meibomian Gland Expression procedure works:
- Patients remove makeup and other skin products from the skin.
- The doctor will place a laser grade corneal shield in each eye to completely block any light from penetrating the corneas, and then an additional protective IPL lashes protective cover.
- The doctor applies conductive gel over both the upper and the lower lids and throughout the upper face area.
- The patient receives 2-3 full passes of the pulsed light with overlapping flashes that ensures even treatment of all 4 eyelids and upper cheek areas.
- After the removal of the IPL gel, the patient will lie back for a 15 minute hot compress with optimized temperature heat masks.
- The Doctor will then apply anesthetic gel on the eye lid margins and perform Meibomian Gland Expressions of the 4 lids.
- After expression of the glands the Doctor will give the eyes a saline rinse and prophylactic antibiotic drops.
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 skin phototype VI or very dark skin. 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 fake tan.
- Conditions like xeroderma and lupus disease can 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.
- 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.
https://player.vimeo.com/video/155810522?h=33df66c973&dnt=1&app_id=122963IPL (Lumenis) demonstration
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.
What are the side effects of IPL for Dry Eye?
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
As stated, these side effects are relatively mild and somewhat rare. If any of these side effects persist, call your doctor.
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.
Ipl eye treatment side effects
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.