Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a new treatment method for evaporative dry eye syndrome secondary to meibomian gland dysfunction. Intense Pulsed Light therapy utilizes a series of controlled high energy light treatments to the structures around the eye to effectively treat dry eye syndrome. Dry eye syndrome often leads to an inflammatory response which ultimately exacerbates the severity of the condition. The presence of inflammation is responsible for patient symptoms of discomfort, stinging, burning, dryness, and fluctuations in vision. Patients with conditions like Rosacea or other inflammation conditions are in particular good candidates for Intense Pulsed Light treatment.
Intense Pulsed Light has multiple mechanisms of action to treat dry eye syndrome including:
Destroys abnormal blood vessels that supply inflammatory cells to the eyelids and meibomian glands
Kills microorganisms like bacteria and Demodex that often cause meibomian gland dysfunction
Stimulates the meibomian glands to more effectively produce the oily layer of the tear film
Best results for Intense Pulsed Light treatment include 4 treatment sessions performed 2 weeks apart. Results vary depending on the type and severity of dry eye syndrome. Signs and symptoms often begin to improve after the 2nd or 3rd treatment session. Maintenance therapy may be recommended over time depending on the patient's signs and symptoms.
Patients with evaporative dry eye syndrome secondary to meibomian gland dysfunction and inflammation are good candidates for Intense Pulsed Light therapy. Those who suffer from Ocular Rosacea are in particular good candidates for this type of treatment. Our doctors and clinic team will provide a thorough evaluation of each patient and determine if you will benefit from this new treatment option. If you have been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome and are interested in Intense Pulsed Light, we encourage you to schedule a dry eye evaluation at our practice