Many people have eyes that make too few tears or tears that dry up too fast—telltale symptoms of dry eye. The condition can cause burning, itching, redness, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. Aging, medications, environmental factors, or medical conditions can cause dry eye.

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is one of the main causes of dry eye. With it, the tiny glands in the eyelids that produce oil for the tears become blocked or inflamed. The oil prevents the tears from evaporating and keeps the eyes moist and comfortable. When the oil is lacking, the tears dry up faster and the eyes become irritated.

There are many treatments for dry eyes, such as artificial tears, warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, or medications. However, some people may not find permanent relief with these options. They need more frequent or long-term treatment. For these people, a newer treatment called intense pulsed light therapy may be an option.

What Is IPL Therapy?

IPL therapy is a painless procedure that uses light energy to treat the root cause of dry eye. It targets the skin around the eyes, reducing the inflammation and bacteria that can affect the meibomian glands. It also melts the thickened oil that clogs the glands and restores their normal function. These functions enable the therapy to improve the quality and quantity of tears and reduce dry eye symptoms.

How Does IPL Therapy Work?

IPL therapy occurs in an eye doctor's office by a trained professional. The procedure involves the following steps:

• The eye doctor will place protective goggles over your eyes and apply a cooling gel on your skin
   

• Your lower eyelids and cheeks will receive moderate light pulses from the doctor using a portable device. You might experience some warmth or tingling but no discomfort
   

• The doctor will then massage your eyelids to squeeze out any excess oil from the glands

It takes roughly 15 minutes; you can resume your regular activities after that.

How Often Do You Need IPL Therapy?

How many times you must get IPL therapy depends on your condition and response to treatment. For optimal results, you may require four to six sessions spaced roughly three to four weeks apart. After that, you may need maintenance sessions every six to twelve months to keep your glands healthy and functioning.

Benefits of IPL Therapy

• It addresses the root cause of dry eye rather than merely the symptoms

• It provides lasting relief for up to a year or longer

• It has minimal side effects and risks compared to other treatments

• For most people with dry eyes, it is safe and effective

Who Is a Good Candidate?

IPL therapy is suitable for people with dry eyes caused by MGD and who have yet to find relief with other treatments. However, IPL therapy is not ideal for everyone. You should talk to your eye doctor before trying it if you have skin cancer, infections, inflammation, sensitivity, allergies, or dark skin. Avoid it if you have eye problems, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Conclusion

IPL therapy is a new treatment for dry eyes that uses light energy to treat the condition's root cause. It reduces inflammation and bacteria around the eyes and unclogs the meibomian glands. It improves the quality and quantity of tears and relieves dry eye symptoms.

For more on IPL treatment for dry eye, contact Chroma Optics at our Burlington, Vermont office. Call (802) 497-1676 to schedule an appointment today.