What causes dry eye?
Dry eye disease is an eye condition that occurs when your eyes don’t get adequate lubrication from your tears to keep them moist and comfortable. This is often a result of your eyes not producing enough tears or producing tears that are low quality.
Your tears are made up of 3 distinct layers, all of which work together to keep your eyes healthy and lubricated:
The Role of the Meibomian Glands
One of the leading causes of dry eye disease is meibomian gland dysfunction.
Meibomian gland dysfunction occurs when blockages form in your meibomian glands, which are located around the edges of your eyelid. These blockages prevent your tear film from getting the oils it needs, which can cause your tears to evaporate too quickly, leading to dry eye symptoms.
Your tears are made up of 3 distinct layers, all of which work together to keep your eyes healthy and lubricated:
- The oily layer prevents your tears from evaporating too quickly
- The watery layer delivers nutrients to your eyes
- The mucus layer keeps your tear film stuck to the surface of your eyes
The Role of the Meibomian Glands
One of the leading causes of dry eye disease is meibomian gland dysfunction.
Meibomian gland dysfunction occurs when blockages form in your meibomian glands, which are located around the edges of your eyelid. These blockages prevent your tear film from getting the oils it needs, which can cause your tears to evaporate too quickly, leading to dry eye symptoms.
What is Optilight Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?
OptiLight by Lumenis is a safe, gentle, and effective treatment for dry eye symptoms caused by meibomian gland dysfunction. This non-invasive procedure is the first and only FDA-approved intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment for dry eye management.
OptiLight uses precise pulses of light, done in the area below the eyes, to reduce dry eye symptoms. This 10-15 minute procedure can significantly relieve dry eye symptoms by:
OptiLight uses precise pulses of light, done in the area below the eyes, to reduce dry eye symptoms. This 10-15 minute procedure can significantly relieve dry eye symptoms by:
- Increasing tear break-up time
- Reducing the amount of demodex mites and bacteria living around your eyes
- Eliminating blood vessels that contribute to inflammation
- Improving meibomian gland functionality
Would Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) work for me?
While OptiLight by Lumenis is an effective dry eye management solution, we want to make sure it’s right for you. We do not recommend this treatment if you:
- Are taking certain medications, like Accutane
- Have active acne
- Suffer from certain skin disorders
- Are susceptible to keloid scarring
- Have severe scarring
- Have severely sunburned recently
How many treatments of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) would I need?
The initial protocol for Optilight IPL for dry eye is 4 session spaced 2-4 weeks apart. The effects of the IPL build after each treatment, with the most noticeable improvement of symptoms after the third and fourth sessions. Depending on the severity of the disease and how diligent the patient is with their dry eye management at home, patients will return for maintenance treatments once or twice per year.
What else can Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treat?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is very effective at targeting pigmented lesions and blood vessels. Since evaporative dry eye disease is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth due to inflammation, IPL is an excellent choice for eliminating that unwanted vasculature. With these treatments may come a "side effect" of a more uniform complexion. This technology is also used for cosmetic purposes as a photo-facial or for hair removal.
What is the cost of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment?
View the IPL info sheet below to see if you qualify. IPL is best combined with other in-office treatments like BlephEx and TearCare. Packaged pricing will include multiple treatments and an at home care kit with significant savings compared to individual purchases. Call/Text (215)372-0147 for any clarifications or to schedule a Dry Eye Consultation or Treatment. If you are ready, you can conveniently Book an Appointment for a "minor infection or problem" here.
