Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

OptiLight IPL by Lumenis is a light-based, non-invasive treatment done in the area below the eyes to manage dry eye, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), blepharitis, ocular rosacea and anti-aging. The first and only IPL FDA-approved for dry eye management. This groundbreaking approach helps to improve the health of the Meibomian glands, which produce the oil that prevents evaporation of the tear film.

What causes dry eyes?

One of the most common causes of dry eyes is a poor quality of tears. A normal tear film consists of three layers: oil, water, and mucus. The oil layer is produced primarily by special glands on the eyelids called Meibomian glands, the water layer is produced mostly by the lacrimal gland, and the mucus layer by goblet cells on the surface of the eye (conjunctiva). The oil layer of a healthy tear film prevents evaporation of the water layer, while the mucus layer helps spread the tears evenly over the surface of the eye. Any deficiency in the oil layer can cause the tears to evaporate too quickly, causing the surface of the eye to dry and leading to dry eye symptoms. Failure of the oil-producing glands to supply an adequate oil layer is referred to as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). MGD can be triggered by conditions that cause inflammation of the eyelids (such as blepharitis and ocular rosacea), aging, infections (e.g., bacterial, Demodex folliculorum mite), among others. With MGD, the oils harden and clog the glands, preventing the release of oils onto the surface of the eye. Severe clogging of an oil-producing gland can also lead to development of a stye (chalazion).

What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a light therapy that has long been used in treatment of various skin conditions, such as rosacea, sun damage, and acne. Studies have shown that it also helps treat moderate-to-severe chronic dry eye disease and MGD. It works by heating the Meibomian glands and liquifying the oils, reducing the inflammation and redness associated with rosacea and blepharitis, and eliminating harmful bacteria and mites that often live on the eyelids and eyelashes.

What are IPL treatments like?

First, a topical anesthetic cream is applied over the area around the eyes. Eye shields are then placed to protect the eyes. A thin layer of cooling gel is applied to the treatment area, and a handpiece attached to the light system is used to deliver the pulses of light. As the pulses of light are administered, patients will experience a slight tingling or snapping sensation. The area treated may appear flushed and red for a short period of time after the treatment. After the IPL light treatment is complete, the oil from the glands can be manually expressed to restore normal oil flow in the tear film.

How many treatments are needed?

Although many patients notice improvement in dry eye symptoms after their first or second treatment, an initial series of three IPL treatments, performed once a month over the course of three months, is recommended. This initial treatment series is designed to help with long-term success in treating both chronic dry eye disease and MGD. After the initial series of IPL treatments, maintenance treatments may be provided 1 to 2 times per year, depending on the severity of the condition.

What is the recovery after treatment?

There is no recovery time after IPL treatment. Patients may return to normal activities immediately after treatment. The use of sunblock is recommended on the treated areas, as well as sunglasses.

What are the risks of IPL treatment?

IPL has been used safely for many years, but there are always risks associated with any procedure. These include, but are not limited to skin discoloration, infection, pain, scarring, burns, corneal abrasion, eye irritation, allergic reaction to the topical agents used, and inability to treat the condition. Whenever a procedure is done near the eye, loss of vision must be considered possible. However, in cases where eye shields have been used, no eye injuries or loss of vision have been reported.

Who is a candidate for IPL treatment?

Many common therapies for dry eye disease, MGD, and blepharitis – such as artificial tears, hot compresses, and eyelid scrubs – focus on temporarily relieving symptoms instead of on treating the root cause of the condition. IPL treatment is designed to address MGD and blepharitis by stimulating healthy gland function and reducing eyelid inflammation. This focused treatment not only offers symptom relief, but also slows the progression of chronic dry eye disease.

Candidates for IPL treatment are patients with dry eye disease, MGD, blepharitis, or ocular rosacea, who have tried various forms of treatment and medications with little success or relief. The use of IPL (intense pulsed light therapy) to treat rosacea is a form of photorejuvenation. Literally using natural light to rejuvenate the tissues of the face in a way that is more direct than topical treatments or oral medication. This decreases or eliminates the inflammation, redness and the visible blood vessels of the face and eyelids.

Ocular Rosacea

Photofacial is a low-risk, non-surgical procedure with proven clinical results. It is designed to combat the effects of sun damage and our environment, which causes pre-aging and damaged skin such as wrinkles, fine lines, sun spots, redness and even acne scars. Photofacial treatments will help your skin have better tone, texture and a more youthful appearance.

Precise amounts of light energy are delivered through the skin’s surface to stimulate the production of collagen and as the new collagen forms; it softens the appearance of aging skin.

The treatment is safe, gentle, and backed by more than 20 clinical studies.
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