If you live with the daily discomfort of dry, gritty, or watery eyes, you know how much it can affect your life. While eye drops can offer temporary relief, they often don’t address the root cause of the problem. The team at Vision Veritas Eyecare can help you explore options that go beyond temporary fixes for chronic dry eye.
You can find ways besides eyedrops to get lasting comfort. A treatment called intense pulsed light (IPL) can help by treating one of the main causes of dry eye.
The Cause of Many Dry Eye Cases
Your Meibomian Glands and Your Tears
Your tears need a healthy oil layer to keep them from drying up too quickly. You have tiny glands that line your eyelids, called meibomian glands, that produce this important oil. When these glands get clogged, your tears evaporate faster than they should, leading to the scratchy, uncomfortable feeling of dry eye.
Common Symptoms of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) occurs when your meibomian glands are not working properly. You might notice several symptoms, which can often include:
- A gritty or sandy feeling in your eyes.
- Stinging or burning sensations.
- Blurry vision that comes and goes.
- Redness and irritation.
- Watery eyes, which can be your body’s attempt to overcompensate for the dryness.
How IPL Works for Dry Eye
A Light-Based Solution
IPL treatment uses gentle pulses of light on the skin around your eyelids. This creates a warm feeling that helps to melt the hardened oils clogging your meibomian glands. The treatment, which includes technologies like OptiLight by Lumenis, helps unclog these glands so they can produce the oils your tears need.
The Goals of the Treatment
The main goal of IPL is to restore the natural flow of oil into your tear film. This helps reduce inflammation around your eyes and stabilize your tears. By addressing the cause of the dryness, the treatment helps your eyes feel more comfortable for longer periods.
What to Expect During and After an IPL Session
Your Appointment Step-by-Step
The procedure is straightforward and happens in the office. Here is what you can typically expect during your appointment:
- For your safety, the team places protective covers over your eyes.
- They then apply a cool gel to the skin around your eyes to keep you comfortable.
- A small device delivers precise pulses of light to the treatment areas.
- After the light treatment, they may gently press on your eyelids to help clear the glands.
The Length of the Effects
You may notice an improvement after just 1–2 treatments. For better results, the eye doctor often suggests a series of 4 monthly sessions. After the initial set of treatments, single maintenance sessions may be recommended to keep your eyes comfortable.
Good Candidates for IPL Treatment
Who Can Benefit From IPL?
IPL may be a good option if you have moderate to severe dry eye that hasn’t improved with other methods like drops or warm compresses. An optometrist can help determine if this treatment is the right fit for your specific needs, especially if you have a condition like MGD.
What About Side Effects?
IPL is a gentle treatment. You might experience some temporary redness or a feeling of warmth on the skin where the light was applied. This usually fades within a few hours. The eye doctor will discuss what to expect before your first session.
Common Questions About IPL for Dry Eye
How Effective Is the Treatment?
While results can vary, you may find a significant reduction in your dry eye symptoms after completing IPL treatments. The therapy helps improve gland function, which can lead to healthier tears and more comfortable eyes day-to-day.
Is IPL Covered by Insurance?
The cost and whether your insurance plan covers IPL can vary. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand your benefits. The office team can also help you understand the paperwork and payment options to get a clear picture of any potential costs involved with your treatment plan.
Find Treatment for Dry Eye
If you are ready to explore a treatment that addresses the underlying cause of the problem, the team at Vision Veritas Eyecare can help. If you’re in the Dallas area, we’d love to bring you the clear, comfortable vision you deserve. Schedule a consultation to see if IPL therapy is right for you.
