IPL Treatment for dry eyes
How dry eye treatment works
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is an innovative therapy used to treat dry eye by applying flashes of incoherent broadband light or laser light to a predetermined target area. The Cynosure Icon system we use is housed in a protective base unit.
The pulsed light is applied to the treatment site via a handpiece with a cooled sapphire tip while the laser light is applied via an Nd:YAG or Er:YAG handpiece. The treatment stimulates the Meibomian glands, which secrete the oily layer of tears. The oxyhemoglobin in the blood vessels absorbs the heat, resulting in better liquefaction of the secretions in the glands. This keeps them from clogging and eventually atrophying.
The duration and results of ipl dry eye treatment
The optometrist places eye shields on the patient’s eyes before applying pulses of light to each eyelid. Quick and nearly painless, this treatment may require two to four sessions, two weeks to one month apart.
IPL improves the quality of the tear film, relieving the symptoms of dry eyes. The tears in treated eyes show a significantly thicker lipid layer. Additional clinical benefits have also been observed: analgesic, anti-inflammatory (blepharitis, conjunctivitis), antimicrobial (bacterial and Demodex infections), tissue stimulation and regeneration.
The technology of the ipl treatment for dry eye
This highly effective technology improves the well-being of a vast majority of patients, i.e., around 80%, as demonstrated by several studies.
First, the optometrist will put drops in each eye and then puts eye shields in place.
The optometrist will then use the IPL machine to apply pulses of light to each eye (on the lower and upper eyelid). The patient will feel a very mild sensation of heat on the skin.
This procedure is quick and does not affect vision. Patients can therefore leave right after their treatment and can drive without any issues.
Results can be observed after the first session, although they will be more marked after the recommended series of treatments since the effects are cumulative.
We use Cynosure’s Icon machine for these treatments. This device was designed to treat inflammatory reactions in the skin and eyelids, e.g., tarsal cysts, blepharitis, dry eye, styes, etc. Also, through Académie K par K, aestheticians can treat rosacea, lupus, acne and more.
Assess your level of eye dryness