OptiLight (Intense Pulsed Light)
is the newest treatment for dry eyes.
Contact Los Gatos Eye Care to schedule your dry eye evaluation today!
phone: (408) 377-2020
phone: (408) 377-2020
The First and Only IPL FDA Approved for Dry Eye Management.
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy, which has been traditionally used as a cosmetic procedure for treating facial skin conditions, effectively treats chronic dry eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). In fact, IPL Therapy is among the more groundbreaking treatments for dry eye.
What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction? (MGD)
Your meibomian glands control the lipids in the eye, called meibum, which combine with other substances in the eye area (oil, mucus, and water) to create a thin film that consistently lubricates your eyes. Meibum is an essential part of your eye’s makeup, as it prevents the evaporation of the eye’s tear film.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction occurs when the meibomian glands fail to provide enough meibum. This can be triggered by various factors and causes the tear film to evaporate at a quicker rate, leading the eyes to feel dry and uncomfortable. In fact, eighty percent of dry eye cases are due to MGD.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction manifests differently and to varying degrees of severity in different people. Some may need mild treatment while others may require more intense care. Our Dry Eye Experts will determine the right choice for your condition to get you the best possible results.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction occurs when the meibomian glands fail to provide enough meibum. This can be triggered by various factors and causes the tear film to evaporate at a quicker rate, leading the eyes to feel dry and uncomfortable. In fact, eighty percent of dry eye cases are due to MGD.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction manifests differently and to varying degrees of severity in different people. Some may need mild treatment while others may require more intense care. Our Dry Eye Experts will determine the right choice for your condition to get you the best possible results.
Mechanism of Action of IPL
Destroys abnormal blood vessels
(works well for Rosacea, Telangiectasia, and other inflammatory skin diseases that may be associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction) |
Reduces debris and risk of gland obstruction
Improves overall gland function Decreases pro- inflammatory mediators Up-regulates anti-inflammatory agents |
Decreases demodex and the bacterial load
Liquefies meibum aiding in the expression of glands Activates fibroblasts and increases production of collagen and elastin |
How Does IPL Treatment Work?
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy is a series of painless pulses of light that reduce inflammation and stimulate healthy gland function. The warm light also melts oils that have hardened and clogged the meibomian glands in the eyelids and kills harmful bacteria on the skin that exacerbate dry eye.
One of our eye doctors will begin your IPL treatment by placing shields over your eyes to protect them from the light pulses. Following that, a thin layer of cooling gel will be applied to the treatment area and a small device will administer the pulses of light to the region around the eyelids.
After administering IPL, we will express oil from the glands, which will restore normal oil flow in the tear film. Though patients usually notice some improvement in dry eye symptoms following their first or second treatment, it is recommended they undergo an initial series of four IPL treatments, performed monthly over a period of four months. This ensures long-term success in treating both chronic dry eye syndrome and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
Depending on the severity of their dry eye condition, certain patients may require occasional maintenance treatments following the initial series of IPL treatments. It is not unusual to combine IPL treatments with other dry eye therapies in order to optimize effectiveness and promote healing.
One of our eye doctors will begin your IPL treatment by placing shields over your eyes to protect them from the light pulses. Following that, a thin layer of cooling gel will be applied to the treatment area and a small device will administer the pulses of light to the region around the eyelids.
After administering IPL, we will express oil from the glands, which will restore normal oil flow in the tear film. Though patients usually notice some improvement in dry eye symptoms following their first or second treatment, it is recommended they undergo an initial series of four IPL treatments, performed monthly over a period of four months. This ensures long-term success in treating both chronic dry eye syndrome and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
Depending on the severity of their dry eye condition, certain patients may require occasional maintenance treatments following the initial series of IPL treatments. It is not unusual to combine IPL treatments with other dry eye therapies in order to optimize effectiveness and promote healing.
How Is IPL Different From Other Dry Eye Treatments?
Many of the treatments for dry eye syndrome, such as eye drops, artificial tears, hot compresses, and eyelid scrubs, are meant to temporarily relieve symptoms instead of treating the root cause of the condition. IPL is unique in that it targets the source – the blood vessels surrounding the glands — enabling them to secrete oils naturally and resume their moisturizing function. This not only relieves symptoms, but also slows the progression of chronic dry eye.
If you have tried various treatments for your dry eye,
and still struggle with dry eye, we can help.
Contact Los Gatos Eye Care to schedule your dry eye evaluation today!
phone: 408-377-2020
email: eyes@lgeyecare.com
email: eyes@lgeyecare.com