Intense pulsed light (IPL) systems operate similarly to lasers, delivering energy through the skin to cells with specific colors (chromophores). IPL system design limits thermal damage to surrounding tissue by allowing appropriate time for heat to disperse.
Studied initially and developed for dermatologic conditions such as rosacea, IPL may also benefit patients with dry eye syndrome by improving dysfunctional oil glands. IPL therapy interrupts the vicious, inflammatory cycle that causes dry eyes.
Increased Collagen Synthesis
IPL uses light energy to soften dark spots and eliminate red vascular areas. It is also commonly used to remove unwanted hair and reduce styles.
During an IPL treatment, a medical professional will use a handheld device to gently touch the surface of your face or eyes with pulses of light. It may cause a slight stinging sensation for about 4 hours following your treatment. A cool compress or lotion can help with this discomfort.
Intense pulsed light therapy for dry eyes lower sackville breaks the vicious cycle of MGD and associated inflammation, restoring tear film stability and ocular surface homeostasis. It is an excellent therapy for DED patients who have already tried and are failing other medications or therapies that require daily use.
In some cases, DED patients who are treated with IPL routinely can discontinue other treatments entirely or reduce their dose. IPL may even allow some patients to stop using ocular drops altogether! Patients who have demonstrated a reduction in their dry eye symptoms from IPL treatments are often recommended for maintenance IPL treatment every 6-12 months.
Increased Meibomian Glands
IPL therapy is an effective treatment for evaporative dry eye disease because it addresses the root cause of the condition. Inflammation in the meibomian glands (the oily part of the tear film that keeps it lubricated) accounts for 80% of all dry eye symptoms. Inflammation plugs up the meibomian glands, causing them to stop producing oil, which causes a drying effect on the tear film.
When light hits the meibomian glands, it breaks down these lipids and allows them to flow freely. It also stimulates the parasympathetic nerve, which leads to normal gland function.
To perform this procedure, a qualified eye doctor or aesthetician will place protective shields over your eyes to guard them against light pulses. After this, they will apply a cooling gel to the skin around your eyes before starting the process. To achieve long-lasting results, a series of IPL treatments will be required. The number of treatments needed will vary per patient and will be determined by the aesthetician.
Reduced Inflammation
In addition to treating dry eye symptoms, IPL treatment is also a good option for fading age spots and removing unwanted hair. It is better for fading dark spots than laser treatment because it does not damage the upper layer of the skin. It is also less painful than microdermabrasion, but it may still sting a bit.
A dermatologist or aesthetics specialist will clean the area you are getting treated and rub a cool gel on it. During the procedure, a handheld device emitting light pulses will be used on your skin. Wear protective glasses. It can sting a bit, which some people compare to the feeling of being snapped with a rubber band.
The quick treatment takes 20-30 minutes for a large area. The dermatologist or aesthetics specialist can give you numbing cream before your session if you are worried about pain. Then, you can enjoy your smoother, younger-looking skin.
Reduced Blood Vessels
IPL treats the dysfunction of your meibomian glands and breaks up those broken blood vessels around your eyelid margins that contribute to your dry eyes. It improves the quality of the oil layer in your tears, preventing the evaporation of that vital component.
During an IPL photofacial, a handheld device delivers pulses of light energy to the treatment area. The light penetrates the top layers of your skin, targeting specific chromophores (skin components that absorb and emit certain wavelengths of light) in damaged cells. It causes the damaged cells to break apart and fade away naturally.
It is commonly used for reducing redness brown spots caused by sun damage, and hair removal. Patients can receive an IPL photofacial on their arms, chest, neck, and shoulders, as well as the face. Most people describe the treatment as feeling like a slight pinching sensation that’s quick and tolerable.
