Intense Pulsed Light: An Innovative Solution for Dry Eyesposuere velit aliquet.

IPL, or intense pulsed light, has been used by dermatologists in the past decade to treat conditions such as acne and skin lesions. Now it is being used in the treatment of dry eyes as well as other chronic eyelid diseases.

IPL therapy filters light, eliminating unwanted wavelengths and employing the desired light waves (400-1,200 nm). During the procedure, the patient’s eyes remain closed and protected as the IPL is pulsed at the skin surrounding the eyelids, similar to the flash of a photo camera, to penetrate the oil producing meibomian glands surrounding the eyes.

How IPL Treats Dry Eyes

Meibomian glands are located in the upper and lower eyelids. They serve two purposes: preventing tears from evaporating too early and housing the antimicrobial properties that help control flora. When there is a problem with the normal functioning of these glands, it is known as meibomian gland dysfunction, or MGD, which, in combination with inflammation, leads to dry eyes.

With IPL, the intense pulsed light penetrates the abnormal capillaries and helps to dissolve the excessive oil and clear the clogging. The desired end result is restoring the normal function of the meibomian glands, allowing for tears to produce normally and function as they should.

Additionally, eyelash mites, known as demodex, are also a common cause of dry eyes. They generally occur in small amounts on the eye lashes and eye lids where they feed off of dead skin. However, if they increase in numbers, it can lead to eyelid inflammation and dry eyes, amongst others complications. IPL therapy can resolve chronic dry eyes from eyelash mites by reducing or temporarily eliminating these mites.

Suitable Candidates for IPL Therapy

Treatment of chronic dry eyes through IPL therapy has proven successful for people diagnosed with:
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
]Bacterial infections or eyelash mites of the eyelids