What is Intense Pulsed Light and how can it manage dry eye?
Intense Pulsed Light is a light-based, non-invasive treatment done in the area below the eyes to manage dry eye.
IPL Treatment is safe, gentle, and is backed by more than 20 clinical studies.
How Does It Work?
Intense Pulsed Light uses precise pulses of light to reduce the inflammation that is typically associated with dry eye disease, improve tear break-up time, and increase meibomian gland functionality.
This application can significantly relieve dry eye indicators and has a multi-factorial effect, including:
- Increasing tear break-up time
- Reducing the amount of demodex mites and bacteria living around your eyes
- Eliminating blood vessels that contribute to inflammation
- Improving meibomian gland functionality
What to Expect
Before Your Treatment
You should avoid any prolonged exposure to the sun or tanning for at least 2 weeks before your treatment appointment and should wear sunscreen any time you have to go outside.
On the day of your appointment, you will be required to fill out a skin type questionnaire which will help determine the personalized settings for your treatment. After you have filled this out, one of our staff will prepare your skin with a coupling gel and do a test spot to ensure that there is no adverse reaction to IPL. Once this has been determined, you will advance to the treatment portion of your appointment.
During Your Treatment
This treatment is fast and simple. During the treatment your doctor will apply a coupling gel on the treatment area and cover your eyes with shields.
As light is applied to the skin, you may experience a warm sensation. The treatment is gentle with minimum discomfort. The treatment itself will only take 10–15 minutes.
Intense Pulsed Light is often followed by meibomian gland expression.
After Your Treatment
Any prolonged exposure to the sun or tanning should be avoided — especially for the first 48 hours after your treatment. You may feel a slight sunburn sensation and notice a bit of redness after your appointment; these effects are common and should dissipate quickly.
Typically, you should be able to wear makeup after your treatment has been completed. Be aware of any adverse effects though, and cease to wear any makeup if you notice any problems it is causing to your skin.
We also recommend that you cleanse your skin with gentle, tepid water and avoid using hot water. It is also recommended that you use moisturizer or aloe vera gel at night and sunblock during the day while you are between treatment appointments.
