Do your eyes feel irritated, burning, or itchy all the time? Do you struggle to wear contact lenses or stare at a computer screen? If so, you may suffer from dry eye syndrome.
 

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

This condition occurs when your eyes do not make enough tears or those produced are of poor quality. This can cause inflammation, infection, and damage to your eyes. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is one of the main causes of dry eye syndrome. This is when the tiny oil glands in your eyelids get blocked or inflamed. These glands make the oily layer of your tears, which stops them from evaporating too fast.
 

What Is IPL Therapy?

IPL stands for intense pulsed light. It is a non-ablative light therapy that uses broad-spectrum, high-energy light to treat dry eye syndrome.
 

IPL therapy is a relatively recent method of treating dry eye syndrome caused by MGD. It targets the skin around your eyes with pulses of light absorbed by the blood vessels and the oil glands. The light heats and destroys these structures, reducing inflammation and bacterial growth. The light also stimulates the oil glands to produce more oil for your tears.
 

How Does IPL Therapy Work?

IPL therapy is a quick and painless procedure that you can have at an optometrist’s or a dermatologist’s office. Your doctor will protect your eyes, apply a cooling gel, and use a device to flash light on the skin around your eyes.
 

You may feel a slight tingling but not pain. Your doctor will then wipe off the gel and massage your eyelids. Depending on your condition and response, you may need three to five sessions every four to six weeks.
 

Benefits of IPL Therapy

IPL therapy can improve your tear quality and quantity, ease your symptoms, and boost your eye health. Other benefits of IPL therapy are:
 

• Less inflammation and bacteria in the eyelids.
• More open and working oil glands.
• Better tear film and less evaporation.
• Improved comfort and vision.
• Less need for artificial tears or medications.
• Less risk of corneal ulcers or infections.

Is IPL Therapy Safe?

Most patients find IPL therapy safe and tolerable, but it may have some risks or side effects. For example, your skin may temporarily become red, swollen, or bruised. You may also experience blistering, scarring, or pigmentation changes on your skin. Additionally, your eyes may get irritated, infected, or even damaged by the light.
 

To reduce these risks, you should protect your skin and eyes before and after IPL therapy. Stay away from the sun or tanning for at least two weeks. Apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses when you go outside. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cosmetics on your skin. Care for your skin and eyes according to your doctor’s directions. If you notice any infections or unfavorable reactions, call your doctor.
 

Conclusion

IPL therapy is a promising treatment for dry eye syndrome caused by MGD. It targets the underlying cause of dry eye and improves your eye health and comfort.
 

For more on IPL therapy, visit Revision Optix at our Simpsonville or Greenville, South Carolina offices. Call (864) 252-2400 or (864) 900-0671 to schedule an appointment today.