IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment for dry eyes is the latest, pain-free and effective way to treat dry eye related to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction or MGD. Approximately 50% of dry eye is caused by MGD. IPL treatment has been shown to improve tear quality and improve patient-reported symptoms.
Dry Eye IPL Treatment UK
Finally, a new effective treatment for dry eye sufferers in Coventry & Warwickshire
Video from www.optimed.co.uk
Suffering with Dry Eyes?
Suffering from Dry Eyes?
Why IPL Treatment
There are many common treatments for dry eye – such as artificial tears, hot compresses, and eyelid wipes. The treatments generally help to relieve symptoms rather than treating the cause of the condition. IPL treatment for dry eyes actually treats Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) – the root cause of evaporative dry eye. Treating MGD will not only relieve symptoms, but it will also to slow the progression of chronic dry eye.
If you’ve had limited relief with drops, warm compresses of lid wipes, then IPL treatment with Dr Dave may be a better solution for you. See IPL FAQs here.
How Does IPL Work?
The meibomian glands in the eyelids produce oil that forms part of the tear film. The oily layer prevents the tears from evaporating. MGD occurs when the meibomian glands are obstructed or inflamed. Patients with facial or ocular rosacea, have abnormally dilated blood vessels (telangiectasia) along the eyelid margins. These dilated vessels deliver increased inflammation to the eyelid and can cause dysfunction of the meibomian glands. IPL causes photocoagulation (it closes these abnormal vessels) and also photorejuvenation of the skin cells. IPL treatment also opens up the meibomian glands and liquifies of the oil within the glands. After the IPL treatment, Dr Dave will manually express the meibomian glands to release the old oils in the lids.
More Treatments
Who Shoudn't Have Treatment?
- Don’t have IPL treatment for dry eyes if you’ve used tanning beds 3-4 weeks before to treatment.
- No use of isotretinoin within the last year
- Manufacturers suggest avoiding treatment during pregnancy
- History of cancer in the area of treatment
- Active cold sores or herpes simplex or herpes zoster virus
- History of keloids
- History of metal plates, rods or screws in the area
- Use of any photosensitive medications or herbal supplements, oral antibiotics
- Psoriasis, vitiligo or warts, lupus, scleroderma or connective tissue disorder
- Avoid Botox and dermal fillers for 1 week prior to treatment and 2 weeks after treatment
- Fitzgerald skin type four or below (darker skin has the risk of depigmentation).
Advice After Treatment
- Sunscreen SPF 30-50 – apply every 2 hours with incidental sun exposure like walking or driving for the next two weeks
- May need soothing gel/cream e.g. aloe vera
- Avoid picking or scratching the area of treatment
- You may have mild swelling, redness or crusting for up to 5 days after treatment
- No harsh cleansers/scrubs on your face for the next two weeks.
- You may wear makeup over the treated area if there is no broken skin
- Warm compresses using EyeBag to eyes for 10 min 2-3x per day for the next 3 days and then every night. EyeBags available for purchase in our practice.
How Quickly Does it Work?
Most patients notice an improvement only a few hours after the first treatment. However, depending on the severity of the condition, up to four treatments may be required separated by 2-3 weeks. After the third or fourth treatment, further treatments will not be required for up to a year. Generally, patients require one top-up treatment annually. The cost for IPL treatment is available here.