Intense Pulsed Light – IPL Treatment for Dry Eyes
Unionville Dry Eye Clinic offers IPL treatment for dry eyes (Intense Pulsed Light Therapy) along with Lipiflow and Radio Frequency Treatments.
These dry eye treatment options help patients who suffer from:
- Dry Eye Disease (DED) – Some of the symptoms of DED (dry eye syndrome) may include, among others, dry eyes, blurred vision, stinging discomfort, and the feeling of having a foreign body in the eyes.
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) – The meibomian glands are found in both the upper and lower eyelids. These glands help to reduce evaporation of the aqueous layer and promote tear film stability by protecting the ocular surface.
Treating the Cause and Not the Symptoms
We understand that for some patients, traditional dry eye treatment options like prescription eye drops are simply not adequate. They only alleviate the symptoms without addressing the root of the problem.
Our eye specialists will often utilize a combination of dry eye treatment options depending on the cause and severity of your dry eye condition.
Our goal is to restore the health of your eyes. So, in this post, our eye doctors take an in-depth look at IPL treatment for dry eyes.
To Learn More or to Book an Appointment
Please call us at 905-477-4488
IPL Treatment, Radio Frequency & Lipiflow Can Be Combined
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) – IPL treatment for dry eyes is non-invasive and often used in conjunction with Radio Frequency and Lipiflow Treatments. Heat is applied along with gentle massage to naturally remove Meibomian gland oil buildup.
Intense Pulsed Light is not a new technology. It has been successfully utilized to treat dozens of skin conditions over the past few decades. This technology works by generating heat in the affected area. This triggers the natural healing process by increasing collagen production, reducing inflammation, and normalizing the affected blood vessels.
- Patients enjoy immediate relief
- Symptoms improve after only 1 or 2 treatments
- Inflammation and Meibomian gland blockages are eliminated
- Patients report long-lasting improvements
Intense Pulsed Light Treatment FAQ
What Is IPL For Dry Eyes?
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy or IPL is a gentle, non-invasive light-therapy method for treating inflammation of the eyelid and surrounding skin. IPL treatment for dry eyes has proven effective in treating meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), ocular rosacea, and other dry eye symptoms.
Does IPL Work for Dry Eyes?
Numerous studies have been conducted with confirmed positive results for overcoming ocular dryness by improving meibomian gland functionality and tear film stability. This helps to eliminate dry eye symptoms. The Intense Pulsed Light creates heat as it penetrates the skin and targets the source of the inflammation. This stimulates the body’s natural healing process to heal the inflammation by removing the abnormal blood vessels.
How To Prep for IPL Dry Eye Treatment?
Full preparation for your IPL treatment for dry eyes will be discussed with your doctor at your dry eye consultation. Patients should not have a fresh tan on the treatment area within 4 weeks before treatment. Avoid using tanning creams on the treatment area 14 days prior to treatment. You can protect the treatment area with SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen before and after your IPL treatments.
How Many IPL Treatments for Dry Eye?
Typically, dry eye patients will start with 3-4 Intense Pulsed Light treatments, 3-4 weeks apart. Maintenance treatments for optimal long-term results may be recommended every 6-12 months. IPL treatment for dry eyes may also be combined with Lipiflow thermal pulsation treatments.
Is IPL for Dry Eye Covered by Insurance?
Some insurance companies may pay for Intense Pulsed Light Therapy. An extra health spending account can sometimes be used to pay for the treatments as well. Contact your insurance company to inquire about your coverage.
Is Intense Pulsed Light Safe?
Lumenis IPL is FDA-approved for over 20 different skin conditions. It can be safely and effectively used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye for patients who are good candidates. Before your IPL treatment for dry eyes, your doctor will perform a thorough consultation to ensure you are a good candidate. For a few hours after your Intense Pulsed Light treatment, the areas that were treated may experience some redness. For most, this can be covered with makeup. Following treatment, wear sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight.
What Happens During IPL Treatment for Dry Eyes?
To ensure utmost comfort, coupling gel will be applied in the IPL treatment area. IPL protective goggles or shields will be worn for the duration of the treatment. Each session lasts approximately 15 minutes. During the Intense Pulsed Light treatment, you may experience a warm sensation as the light is applied to the skin. The treatment is gentle and should not cause too much discomfort.
Contact Our Unionville Dry Eye Clinic
One of the most common complaints we hear is dry eyes caused by contact lenses. We don’t just treat the symptoms! The goal of our eye doctors is to provide you with long-lasting relief by addressing the root cause of your dry eyes and meibomian gland dysfunction.
At Unionville Optometry, your safety and comfort are our highest priorities.
To schedule a dry eye clinic appointment, please call us at 905-477-4488.
You can also send us an email or contact us online if you would like more information about IPL treatment for dry eyes.