How Does IPL Therapy Work in Alleviating Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes can cause discomfort and affect your daily life. Imagine a therapy that uses light to bring relief. This is where Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy comes in. Like many people who experience dry eyes, you might wonder how it works. Let us explore how IPL therapy can help with dry eyes.
 

Understanding Dry Eyes

Dry eyes result when your eyes make very little tears or when the tears made evaporate faster than they should. This can cause a gritty feeling, redness, and blurred vision. Many factors contribute to dry eyes, including age, environment, and medical conditions.
 

What Is IPL Therapy?

IPL therapy uses bursts of light to treat various skin conditions, like rosacea. It can also help treat dry eyes. The light targets the blood vessels and glands in your eyelids, helping them work better. This improves tear production and reduces inflammation.
 

How Does IPL Therapy Work?

• Preparation: Before the treatment, your eye doctor will place shields over your eyes to protect them from the light. They will then reduce discomfort by applying a cooling gel gently on your skin.

• Light Pulses: The doctor delivers light pulses using a handheld device to the area around your eyes. These light pulses warm up and unclog the meibomian glands, which produce the oily part of your tears.

• Treatment Sessions: Typically, you will need several sessions over a few months. Each session lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. The exact number of sessions depends on the severity of your dry eyes.

Benefits of IPL Therapy

• Reduced Inflammation: IPL therapy reduces inflammation around the eyes. This helps improve tear production.

• Improved Gland Function: The light pulses help unclog the meibomian glands. This allows them to produce the oil needed to keep your eyes moist.

• Long-lasting Relief: Many patients experience long-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms after completing their IPL sessions.

Who Can Benefit from IPL Therapy?

IPL therapy is suitable for people with moderate to severe dry eyes. It especially benefits those who do not find relief from other treatments. It is important to consult an eye doctor to determine if IPL therapy is right for you.
 

What to Expect During and After IPL Therapy

During the treatment, you might feel a slight sting from the light pulses. Patients claim it is similar to a rubber band snap. After the session, your skin might be slightly red and sensitive. This usually goes away within a few hours. It is essential to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions to ensure the best results.
 

Additional Tips for Managing Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can make you uncomfortable, but there are easy ways to feel better. Try using artificial tears from the store to wet your eyes. When using your phone or computer, take breaks to rest your eyes.
 

Drink more water throughout the day to keep your body and eyes healthy. At home, a humidifier can add moisture to the air, which helps your eyes.
 

If you struggle with dry eyes, consider talking to your eye doctor about IPL therapy. It might be the solution you need for lasting relief.
 

For more on IPL therapy, visit Clarity Advanced Optometry at our Arcadia or Pasadena, California, offices. You can also call or text our direct dry eye hotline at : 626-268-3069  to schedule a dry eye evaluation today.