Dry eyes can cause a burning or stinging sensation. They can be uncomfortable and negatively impact your vision if left untreated. There are various causes of the problem, including meibomian gland dysfunction. When the glands in your eyelids cannot lubricate your eyes as necessary due to a blockage, your eyes are likely to get dry. 

Most people first opt for treatment methods like using eye drops. But when these do not help, your eye doctor may recommend using intense pulsed light therapy (IPL). Treating dry eyes with IPL reduces your risk of eye infections, injuries, and vision loss. Read more to learn about intense pulsed light therapy and if it is an effective treatment for dry eyes.

What Is Intense Pulsed Light Therapy?

Intense pulsed light therapy is a painless treatment that focuses on underlying causes to help relieve dry eye. It uses light pulses to target and reduces bacterial growth and inflammation by targeting the skin around your eyes. 

The light used in the therapy breaks debris and oil buildup blocking your meibomian glands. The blockage inhibits the production of oil necessary for your tears to create a healthy balance to lubricate your eye surface.

What Does IPL Treat?

Intense pulsed light therapy helps treat meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). One of the most common causes of chronic dry eyes is MGD. It often results from inflammation and causes the creation of a low-quality tear film, which increases inflammation.

Meibomian gland dysfunction has several treatments. However, none of them are curative, including IPL. As a result, you improve your dry eye symptoms through repeated IPL treatments.

Is Intense Pulsed Light Therapy Effective?

Intense pulsed light therapy works effectively for short durations if dry eyes occur due to meibomian gland dysfunction. It gives longer-lasting relief than other treatments like warm compresses, artificial tears, or eyelid scrubs.

Process and Procedure

Intense pulsed light therapy is an outpatient procedure. It takes place in the optometrist's office.
 

The treatment is administered using a handheld device. Your eye doctor will place protective glasses or goggles over your eyes. After doing so, they will rub a gel over the area they aim to use the IPL.

Your eye specialist will place the intense pulsed light device over your eyelids. The pulses of light will melt the buildup in your oil glands. After your meibomian glands open, your eye specialist will stimulate natural oil production in your eyes by expressing some oil.

What to Expect After an IPL Treatment

Dry eye symptoms typically improve after your first or second treatment. Doctors often recommend that patients get four treatments every month to get the best results. However, you may need additional treatment if your case is severe.

You can resume your daily activities after the first intense pulsed light therapy. Your specialist may recommend using other forms of treatment between the IPL sessions. You can use artificial tears to keep your eyes constantly lubricated. Your eye specialist will recommend the best way to manage the situation based on your case.

For more about intense pulsed light therapy, visit Montebello Optometry, Eye Clinic & Dry Eye Center at our office in Montebello, California. Call (323) 772-5800 to book an appointment today.