Novel Treatment Option for Severe Dry Eye – Intense pulsed light (IPL)
Overview
Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your eyes are unable to produce enough tears (aqueous deficient type) or when the tears that are produced evaporate too quickly (evaporative type).
Dry eye can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the severity of symptoms and the extent of damage to the ocular surface.
Treatment options for dry eye include lifestyle changes such as taking frequent breaks from screens, using a humidifier to increase moisture in the air, and warm compression in mild cases. Artificial tears, lubricating ointment, and topical anti-inflammatory treatment in mild to moderate cases. In severe cases, autoserum eyedrops, punctal occlusion surgery, or tarsorrhaphy may be necessary to treat the disease. For evaporative type dry eye, intense pulsed light (IPL) is a new treatment technique.
We introduce the IPL in this section.
Features Summary
During an IPL treatment session, a handheld device emits pulses of light onto the skin around the eyes. The light energy targets the blood vessels and proteins contributing to eyelid inflammation. This process is thought to improve the function of the meibomian glands (oil glands), increase blood flow, reduce Demodex mites, and reduce inflammation in the eyelids, which can alleviate dry eye symptoms.
Procedure
IPL treatment for dry eye typically involves a series of sessions, usually spaced a few weeks apart. The number of sessions required can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the individual patient's response to treatment. (In our department, there are three treatment sessions in total: Two weeks between the first and second treatment and one month between the second and third treatment.)
Before the procedure, the patient will be instructed to remove any makeup or contact lenses. A cooling gel is applied to the skin around the eyes to protect it from the IPL pulses. The IPL device emits pulses of light onto the skin around the eyes. The pulses of light may cause a mild stinging or burning sensation, which is usually well-tolerated by patients. After the treatment, the cooling gel is removed, and the patient is instructed to avoid exposure to sunlight and bright lights for a few hours. Meibomian gland massage may be performed immediately after the IPL treatment to enhance gland secretion. The patient may also be prescribed eye drops or other medications to help manage any discomfort or inflammation.
Notification
Some of the most common risks and side effects associated with IPL therapy for dry eye include
Skin irritation: The pulses of light used in IPL therapy can cause redness, swelling, and skin irritation around the treated area. This is usually temporary and can be managed with topical creams or ointments.
Eye discomfort: Some patients may experience mild eye discomfort or sensitivity following IPL therapy. This can be managed with lubricating eye drops or other medications.
Changes in skin pigmentation: In rare cases, IPL therapy can cause changes in skin pigmentation, such as lightening or darkening of the skin around the treated area.
Contraindications or situations where IPL therapy may not be recommended include:
Active skin infections: Patients with active skin infections around the treatment area should avoid IPL therapy until the infection has cleared up.
Certain medications: Patients who are taking medications that increase sensitivity to light, such as isotretinoin or tetracycline antibiotics, should avoid IPL therapy.
History of skin cancer: Patients with a history of skin cancer may not be good candidates for IPL therapy, as the treatment may increase the risk of developing new skin cancers.
Estimated Cost
For estimated medical costs, please contact International Medical Services Center.